CONCUSSION FACTS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS This fact sheet is for kids like you who recently have had a concussion (or a “head injury” as it is sometimes called). It will tell you what to expect for the next little while and share some helpful hints for getting better. What is a concussion? In cartoons, when a character gets bonked on the head everybody laughs because the character sees stars floating around in circles and is woozy and confused. But hitting your head isn’t funny. Your brain is in there and your brain helps you do very important things like walk, talk, pay attention, learn, think, and remember. Because your brain is so important, it is protected by your skull, which is a very hard covering made of bone. The skull works kind of like a helmet. Most of the time when you hit your head you don’t get a concussion thanks to your skull. But if you hit your head hard enough, your brain can be shaken around inside your skull and you get a concussion. Concussions can happen many different ways; for example, being in a car or ATV accident, falling off your bike or skateboard, or getting hit in the head while playing sports. What happens after a concussion? After a concussion, most kids don’t feel well for a while. Luckily, they usually get better on their own pretty quickly. Some of the problems (“symptoms”) you may notice after a concussion are: • Not remembering what happened when you got your concussion • Fatigue, feeling tired • Trouble sleeping • Headaches • Blurry vision • Feeling bothered by noise or light • Feeling dizzy or like your head is spinning • Feeling “foggy” or “zoned out” or “slowed down” • Having trouble paying attention, thinking, or remembering stuff • Feeling annoyed, frustrated or irritable • Getting mad more easily than usual • Feeling worried or nervous • Feeling sad or crying more easily than usual Because each person’s brain and injury is unique, some kids may have only a few symptoms but others may have many. Some kids may have mild symptoms and others may have more severe symptoms. Almost nobody gets all of them. When you have any of these problems it can be scary, but really it’s just your body telling you that your brain is still getting better and needs extra rest. Most kids feel normal again within two to three weeks. Sometimes it takes more time than that, but everyone does get better. What should I do if I think I’ve had a concussion? The most important thing to do is to tell an adult right away that you think you hit your head. Sometimes kids may feel fine right after hitting their head but start to feel different a bit later. If this happens, it’s still important to tell an adult. They’ll help figure out if you need to go to the doctor and help you know what to do to get better. What should I do about school? Many kids stay home from school for a day or two after a concussion. The brain needs extra rest to heal right after it’s been hurt. But getting back to school is important, too. For one thing, learning is good exercise for your brain! Make sure your teachers know you have had a concussion. Your parents may want to talk with them so they understand the things they can do to help you get better. Tell your teacher if you need a break during the day to rest, are getting a headache, are having trouble paying attention, or are having trouble remembering something. If you get worried or stressed about school, talk with your teachers and parents so they can figure out a plan for helping you. What should I do if I’m feeling worried about my concussion? Getting a concussion can be scary. Many kids feel stressed out afterward. They may worry about their symptoms, keeping up with school, and missing out on sports. It can help to remind yourself that your symptoms are a normal part of getting better. Try to do things that help you stay calm. You may also feel better if you talk about your worries with an adult you trust - like a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, teacher, guidance counselor, or coach. What should I do if I’m feeling tired? It’s normal to feel tired after a concussion. The best thing to do is get plenty of rest and sleep, eat healthy foods, and drink plenty of water. You For more information call 314.454.KIDS or 800.678.KIDS