Concussions | Symptoms and Causes
What causes concussions in children?
Children can get a concussion from any hard hit to the head, neck, face, or body. Some of the most common causes of concussion in children include:
- falls
- sports injuries
- motor vehicle accidents
- being hit by an object or another person
What are common signs and symptoms of a concussion?
As a parent, it’s important to recognize possible signs and symptoms of a concussion, especially since younger children may not be able to tell you how they’re feeling.
Possible signs and symptoms include:
- being slow to respond
- headache
- changes in sleep habits, such as sleeping more or less than usual
- changes in play habits
- dizziness
- fatigue
- trouble concentrating, remembering or paying attention
- changes in eating habits
- persistent crying or crankiness
If your child has any of the following symptoms after a fall or hit, seek emergency care right away:
- trouble with balance or walking
- excessive vomiting
- slurred speech
- extreme tiredness or trouble being awakened
- seizures or convulsions
- loss of consciousness (passing out) for longer than 1 minute
- one pupil (black center of the eye) is larger than the other
- problems with balance or coordination
How do I know if my child needs to see a specialist?
Some children with a concussion need more specialized treatment. If your child is not getting better — or is feeling worse — after a few days, you should ask for a referral to a specialist.
At Boston Children’s Hospital, we’re experts at treating children with all types of concussions in our Department of Neurology and Sports Medicine Division.
Make an appointment
- Call us at 617-355-6388
- International: +01-617-355-5209
- Request an appointment online