Concussions are one of the most common sports injuries in children and teens. They happen when a bump, blow or jolt to the head - or even a hit to the body that makes the head move quickly - causes the brain to move inside the skull. Even if your child looks fine on the outside, a concussion can affect how the brain works for a short time.
Recognizing the signs and taking action right away can make a big difference in recovery.
What to do if your child hits their head
If your child takes a hit during a game or practice and “just doesn’t feel right”:
- Stop play immediately. Don’t encourage them to keep going or “tough it out.”
- Tell someone right away. Athletes should speak up to a coach, athletic trainer or parent.
- Support teammates. If another player is hurt, don’t pressure them to return to the game. Protecting brain health matters more than finishing.
Signs and symptoms of concussion in kids
Concussions don’t always cause loss of consciousness. Look for these warning signs after a head or body impact:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, balance problems, or feeling “woozy”
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to bright lights or loud sounds
- Trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Confusion or feeling “foggy”
- Feeling unusually tired, irritable, or sad
If your child shows any of these symptoms, remove them from play and seek medical care.
When to seek emergency care
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if your child has:
- Loss of consciousness, even for a few seconds
- Seizures or convulsions
- Repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech, weakness or numbness in arms or legs
- A headache that gets worse or won’t go away
Sports physicals and baseline concussion testing
Banner Health offers pre-participation sports physicals and baseline concussion testing for youth athletes:
- Sports physicals are performed by board-certified sports medicine physicians to confirm your child is healthy enough to play.
- Baseline testing measures memory, reaction time and balance before an injury. If a concussion occurs, doctors can compare results to guide recovery.
Find a Banner location near you to schedule.
Recovery and safe return to play
Most kids and teens recover from a concussion with rest and gradual return to activities. The process usually includes:
- Rest: Limiting physical activity, screen time, and homework if symptoms worsen.
- Light activity: Slowly adding in exercise as symptoms improve.
- Medical clearance: Getting approval from a physician before returning to full play.
Returning too soon can delay healing and increase the risk of another, more serious injury.
Helping your child cope
It’s normal for kids to feel frustrated, sad, or left out while recovering. Remind them that:
- Rest is part of getting better.
- Their health is more important than finishing a game.
- They will return to play safely when the brain has healed.
Banner’s sports medicine and concussion experts can help your child recover fully and return to the activities they love.
Next step
Find a Banner Health concussion specialist
Schedule a sports physical or baseline concussion test
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