Concussion for Kids

Overview

You've bumped your head. The doctor says you have a "concussion." What does that mean? Let's learn all about this injury.

What's a concussion?

Your brain is soft and kind of mushy. To protect it, you have a hard skull. It's like armor. It surrounds your brain and keeps it safe. This armor is good, but it isn't perfect. Why? Because your brain can still slosh around a little bit. And if your head gets hit hard enough, or if your head or upper body is shaken very hard, your brain bumps harmfully against the inside of your skull. And we call this injury a "concussion."

Symptoms

So, what does a concussion do to you? Well, you can have a lot of problems. You may hear a ringing sound in your ears. You may feel tired. You may have trouble remembering things. You may feel very sad or angry sometimes, even when you don't know why. Bright light or loud noises can really bother you. And, you may sleep a lot more or a lot less than you used to. Different kids have different problems. And these problems can last for a long time.

Getting better

Some concussions are very serious. Your doctor will examine you to find out how badly your brain has been hurt. Then, they'll tell you how to get better. By following your doctor's advice, you can help your brain heal.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.