My child hit their head. What should I do about concussion?
It is common for children to fall and hit their head, and it is usually not serious (1177). But if your child may have a concussion, for example after a hard knock in sport, they should stop playing straight away and not go back the same day: “when in doubt, sit them out” (CDC). Seek emergency care or call 112 if your child loses consciousness even briefly, has a seizure, gets worse after a while or starts vomiting within a few hours (1177). Going back to sport should happen step by step, and only with the OK of a doctor (CDC).
| Situation | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lost consciousness (even briefly), seizure, gets worse, vomits within a few hours, bruises around the eyes or behind the ears, or a hard blow such as a fast bike fall | Emergency department now, or call 112 | 1177 |
| Unsure whether your child needs care | Call 1177 for advice (in Sweden) | 1177 |
| First two weeks after a concussion | No physically demanding activities. Avoid things that need a lot of concentration, like TV and gaming, if they cause headache or nausea | 1177 |
| Contact sports | Not for at least 3 weeks | NHS |
| Still headache or tiredness after a week | Contact a health centre | 1177 |
What is a concussion?
A hard blow to the head can cause a concussion, for example falling off a bike or a horse (1177). The NHS describes concussion as a temporary brain injury that can last a few weeks. Heading a football usually does not cause concussion (1177).
Common symptoms are headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, confusion and unusual tiredness. Symptoms can appear several hours after the injury (1177).
If it happens during sport
- Take your child out of play right away, even if they do not look hurt (CDC).
- No more play that day, and not until a healthcare provider has given the OK (CDC).
- Do not judge it yourself. Only a healthcare provider should assess a possible concussion (CDC).
- Note what happened: how hard the blow was, whether your child passed out and for how long, any memory loss or seizures, and any earlier concussions. This helps the people assessing your child (CDC).
- Why it matters: children who keep playing with symptoms are more likely to get another concussion, and a new concussion before the brain has healed can be very serious (CDC).
The first days at home
Usually no special treatment is needed, but rest is important so the brain can recover (1177). Put something cold wrapped in a towel on any bump. Never put ice directly on the skin (1177). An adult should stay with your child for at least the first 24 hours. Your child does not need to be kept awake if they are tired (NHS). For headaches, the NHS says you can use paracetamol for children.
Symptoms can last up to two weeks (NHS). Children should avoid rough play for a few days and stay home from school until they feel better (NHS). During the first two weeks, 1177 advises avoiding physically demanding activities, and things that need a lot of concentration, like TV and gaming, if they cause headache or nausea.
Back to sport, step by step
The CDC describes six steps, based on the international consensus on concussion in sport. Each step usually takes at least 24 hours. Your child moves on only if they get no new symptoms. If symptoms come back, stop, contact your child’s doctor, and after more rest start again from the previous step (CDC).
- Back to everyday activities such as school, with a green light from the doctor.
- Light aerobic activity: 5–10 minutes of walking, light jogging or an exercise bike. No weights.
- Moderate activity: jogging, short runs, moderate cycling or lighter weights.
- Heavy non-contact training: sprints, normal weights, sport drills without contact.
- Full training, with contact if the sport has it.
- Matches and competitions.
The NHS advises no contact sports for at least three weeks. Ask the doctor for written return-to-play advice that you can give to the coach (CDC).
Try this week
- Ask your child’s coach what the club does if someone may have a concussion.
- Tell your child it is always OK to say “I don’t feel right” after a knock, even in the middle of a match.
- Save 1177 and 112 in your child’s phone.
When to get help
Seek emergency care right away or call 112 if your child loses consciousness even briefly, has a seizure, gets worse after a while (more headache, very tired or hard to reach), starts feeling sick or vomiting within a few hours, gets bruises around the eyes or behind the ears, or has had a hard blow to the head (1177). The NHS also lists problems with vision or hearing, clear fluid from the ears or nose, new numbness or weakness, problems with walking, balance or speaking, and changed behaviour.
Contact a health centre if your child still has a headache or is tired a week after the injury (1177). In Sweden you can call 1177 for advice at any time.