Signs and symptoms of a concussion in kids: What parents should know

​One in five children will experience a concussion by the age of 16.And while concussions are often linked to sports, they can happen anywhere – on the playground, during school activities or at home. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you get your child the care they need and support a safe recovery.

“Concussion is fully treatable,” says Erin Reynolds, PsyD, Sports Neuropsychologist and Director of the Sports Concussion Program at Children’s Health℠ Andrews Institute of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. “Seeing a specialist allows us to provide targeted active treatments and get kids back to play faster and safer.”

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury that can happen when a child hits their head or experiences a hard bump, fall or collision.

A concussion occurs when the brain moves quickly inside the skull after a hit or sudden movement. This can change the way the brain works for a short time. Many kids with concussions don’t get “knocked out,” so it’s important to pay attention to how they look, act and feel after an injury.

Common concussion symptoms in kids

Concussion symptoms fall into four main categories: physical, cognitive, sleep-related and mood-related. Children may have symptoms from one or more categories.

Physical concussion symptoms

These are often the most noticeable signs:

• Headache

• Blurry or fuzzy vision

• Nausea or vomiting

• Sensitivity to bright light or loud sounds

• Feeling dizzy or off-balance

• Neck pain

If your child wants to avoid noise, turn off the lights or rest more than usual, they may be experiencing physical concussion symptoms.

Cognitive concussion symptoms

These symptoms affect how your child thinks and learns. You may notice:

• Difficulty thinking clearly

• Trouble concentrating

• Problems remembering new information

• Slower processing or response time

Kids may say they “feel foggy” or struggle to keep up with schoolwork or conversations.

Sleep-related concussion symptoms

A concussion can affect your child’s sleep patterns. You may see:

• Low energy or fatigue

• Sleeping more than usual

• Sleeping less than usual

• Trouble falling asleep

• Feeling drowsy during the day

Changes in sleep can make other symptoms – like irritability or trouble concentrating – feel worse.

Mood-related concussion symptoms

A concussion can also impact emotions. Kids may feel:

• Irritable or easily frustrated

• Sad

• More emotional than usual

• Nervous or anxious

These changes are common and usually improve as the brain heals.

When to seek care

If you think your child may have a concussion, it’s important to get them evaluated as soon as possible. If you live in North Texas, you can call the Sports Concussion Program at Children’s Health Andrews Institute directly for an appointment – our team prioritizes seeing injured kids within 24–48 hours because early care supports a faster, safer recovery.

Seek emergency care right away if symptoms worsen or if your child has:

• A severe headache

• Repeated vomiting

• Trouble walking

• Loss of consciousness

• Slurred speech

• Seizures

These may be signs of a more serious brain injury.

If your child’s symptoms seem mild or you’re unsure of next steps, contact your pediatrician for guidance.

Concussions can be scary, but recognizing symptoms early and getting the right care can help your child heal safely.

Find expert care for concussion in kids

The Sports Concussion Program at Children’s Health Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine offers expert evaluation techniques, personalized treatment and post-concussion guidance to help your young athlete safely recover and return to sports at the right time. Find locations in Frisco, Plano and Prosper.