A concussion is a change in the way your brain works due to an injury or hit to the head. The symptoms of a concussion can be subtle. A concussion can occur even if you have not lost consciousness (passed out).

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Physical symptoms

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Balance problems
• Nausea
• Vision problems
• Sensitivity to noise/light
• Increased fatigue
• Trouble falling asleep
• Sleeping more/less than usual

Cognitive symptoms

• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty remembering
• Feeling slowed down
• Feeling mentally foggy

Emotional symptoms

• More emotional/moody
• Increased irritability
• Anxiety
• Nervousness

When treated properly, a concussion will heal. With proper treatment, full recovery from concussion is expected. Caring for a concussion is centered on creating the best environment possible to allow the brain to rest and recover. The main components of care include rest while limiting:

Mental exertion: Activities that require focus and concentration like school, homework or reading might cause an increase in symptoms.

Visual activity: Including video games, computers, texting and television — requires more energy from the brain, often increasing symptoms. 

Physical activity: Including weightlifting and conditioning/aerobic training and even free play. No activity should be started without medical clearance.

• Improve sleep habits by avoiding screens in the bedroom and sticking to a consistent bedtime schedule. Ideally eight to 10 hours of sleep each nigh, in a dark, quiet room. Naps should be avoided, but if needed should be limited to 20-30 minutes to avoid disrupting normal nighttime sleep cycles.
• Diet, hydration and a regular eating schedule are important. A 100-pound child/adolescent should drink at least 70 ounces of water per day.
• To help with headaches, over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is preferred over other medications after the initial injury.
• Your doctor will provide a specific return-to-play program once concussion symptoms have resolved and your child has fully returned to academics without restrictions.

Our specialists use a combination of history, physical exam and diagnostic test for diagnosis and management of concussions including:

• Neuropsychological testing
• Computerized concussion testing

There are many additional ways Children’s Wisconsin experts care for concussions in youth and adolescents including:

• Academic adjustments
• Activity modification
• Athletic training
• Baseline testing
• Chiropractic care
• Neuropsychological testing
• Physical therapy
• Rest
• Return to play
• Sports psychology

Expert pediatric care: Our concussion care involves specialists from multiple disciplines, including sports medicine physicians, neuropsychologists, sports psychologists and licensed athletic trainers. Each member has an essential part to play at different stages of diagnosis and recovery. We specialize in treating all concussions — from simple to complex — in kids and teens with developing brains. Our specialists work together with the patient and family and schools to assure a concussion recovery plan that meets the individual as well as in consideration of the long term health of a growing brain.