Care after a concussion

Research suggests that children and young people can take three times longer to recover from a concussion than adults. Here, The Children’s Trust share tips on caring for a child or young person following a concussion

Each year, around 1.4 million people in England and Wales attend emergency departments with a recent head injury, and it is estimated that between 33 per cent and 50 per cent of these are children under the age of 15. Children and young people are thought to take longer to recover from a concussion than adults, and to help people supporting them, The Children’s Trust have developed a new resource: Bumps Happen.

Understanding Symptoms

A concussion is a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) which can be caused by a blow to the head or something that makes the head and brain move quickly in different directions. Common causes are falls, sports injuries and road traffic collisions.

Often, there are no immediate signs of concussion: symptoms can appear a few hours or even days after the injury and usually include headaches, confusion, nausea, changes in mood, difficulty with concentration and memory, and cognitive fatigue.

In the immediate aftermath of a child sustaining a head injury, seek medical advice by contacting your GP, calling 111, or in an emergency, calling 999. In the days that follow, it is important to understand these symptoms and how to provide support.

The First 24 Hours

During the day following a mTBI it is important to provide a calm and quiet environment, and to speak to children in a calm voice. A head injury can affect the way children process what’s going on and they may feel overwhelmed if there is a lot happening around them. Give your child or the person you care for time to rest in order to heal, during this time they may have difficulty remembering or thinking clearly.

You may have to remind them what has happened, and if they have questions, answer them with simple and direct answers where possible. Try to make sure there isn’t more than one thing happening at a time, and if you can, limit the amount of screen time, music, noise and movement going on around them.

The Following Days

In the days following a concussion, some time off school can be of benefit to a child or young person, along with limiting contact sport and excessive physical activity. A GP may advise that they need medication for their symptoms if they are experiencing pain. When they are feeling better, plan a gradual return to school and activities.

During this time, continue to observe your child for any changes and don’t hesitate to seek guidance if you need it. If you are unsure of what to do, or you spot new symptoms, contact your GP or call 111 and explain your concerns, or visit Bumps Happen to read more about signs to look out for and action you can take to support your child’s recovery.

For More Information

To access more Bumps Happen guidance, or to find out more about The Children’s Trust, visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk /bumps-happen