WHAT IS A CONCUSSION? 

Concussion symptoms may appear during the normal healing process, and 

will generally improve over time. Most people with a concussion feel better 

within a couple of weeks. Some symptoms may appear right away, while 

other symptoms may not appear for hours or days after the injury. Your child 

may not realize they have some symptoms until they try to do their usual 

activities. You may notice changes before your child does. If there are any 

symptoms that concern you, or are getting worse, your child may need 

immediate care. Be sure to talk with your child’s doctor. 

HOW WILL MY CHILD FEEL?

The head and brain to move 

quickly back and forth.

The brain to bounce or twist in the 

skull from this sudden movement.

Chemical changes in the brain, 

and sometimes stretching and 

damage to the brain cells.

Your child was seen today for a concussion. Use this handout 

to help you watch for changes in how your child is feeling or 

acting, and to help your child feel better.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes:

Here are symptoms your child may have:

PHYSICAL THINKING OR

REMEMBERING

SOCIAL OR 

EMOTIONAL SLEEP

• Bothered by light or noise 

• Dizziness or balance problems 

• Feeling tired, no energy 

• Headaches 

• Nausea or vomiting (early on) 

• Vision problems

• Attention or 

concentration problems 

• Feeling slowed down 

• Foggy or groggy 

• Problems with short- or 

long-term memory 

• Trouble thinking clearly

• Anxiety or nervousness 

• Irritability or easily angered 

• Feeling more emotional 

• Sadness 

• Sleeping less than usual 

• Sleeping more than usual 

• Trouble falling asleep

Schedule a follow up appointment 

with your child’s doctor.

CARING FOR 

Your Child’s Concussion

✔
WHAT STEPS CAN I TAKE 

TO HELP MY CHILD FEEL 

BETTER?

• Early on, limit physical and cognitive (thinking or remembering) 

activities to avoid causing symptoms to worsen. 

• Get a good night’s sleep, and take naps during the day as needed.

• Find relaxing activities at home (such as reading, drawing, and playing 

with toys). Avoid activities that put your child at risk for another injury 

to the head and brain throughout the course or recovery.

• Return to school gradually. If symptoms do not worsen during an activity, then 

this activity is OK for your child. If symptoms worsen, cut back on that activity 

until it is tolerated. 

• Encourage outside time, such as taking short walks.

• Get maximum nighttime sleep. Tips: Avoid screen time and loud music before 

bed, sleep in a dark room, and keep to a fixed bedtime and wake up schedule. 

• Reduce daytime naps, or return to a regular daytime nap schedule (as 

appropriate for their age).

• Have your child take breaks if their concussion symptoms worsen. 

• Return to a regular school schedule.

• Encourage outside time, such as taking a walk or short bike 

ride and playground time.

WHEN SYMPTOMS 

ARE NEARLY GONE

When symptoms are mild 

and nearly gone, return to 

most regular activities.

BACK TO REGULAR 

NON-SPORTS 

ACTIVITIES

Recovery from a concussion 

is when your child is able to 

do all of their regular activities 

without experiencing any 

concussion symptoms.

WITHIN A FEW DAYS

As your child starts to feel 

better (and within a few 

days after the injury), he 

or she can gradually return 

to regular (non-strenuous) 

activities.

REST RIGHT AFTER 

THE INJURY

Take it easy the first few 

days after the injury when 

symptoms are more severe.

• Ask your child’s doctor about over-the-counter or prescription medications that are safe to take during 

recovery to help with symptoms (for example, ibuprofen or acetaminophen for headaches).

• Limit the number of soft drinks or caffeinated items to help your child get enough rest.

Other tips:

• If you notice any changes or a return of symptoms, be sure to contact 

your child’s doctor.

• With the OK from their doctor, your child may begin a return to sports 

process. Be sure to ask for instructions and share this information with 

your child’s coach and athletic trainer (when available).

Caring for Your Child’s Concussion: Discharge Instructions www.cdc.gov/HEADSUP

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Rest breaks

Fewer hours at 

school or work

More time to take tests 

or complete tasks

Less screen time and 

time spent reading and 

writing

Your child may need to take a short 

time off from school (or work, if 

relevant). Ask the doctor for written 

instructions about when your child 

can safely return to school, work, and 

other activities, such as riding a bike or 

driving a car. 

For a short time after a concussion, 

your child may need support, such as:

If your child is having a difficult 

recovery, talk with your child’s 

school or employer about support 

services that may be available. 

For most people, only short-term 

changes or support services are 

needed as they recover from a 

concussion. 

If symptoms persist, talk with your 

child’s doctor about formal support 

services they recommend. If the 

injury was work-related, make sure 

your child reports it right away to 

their employer and their workers’ 

compensation office. 

WHEN CAN MY CHILD 

RETURN TO SCHOOL?

WHEN CAN MY CHILD RETURN TO 

SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES?

Your child should not return to sports 

and recreational activities:

Ask your child’s doctor for written instructions about 

when your child can safely return to sports. Getting 

approval from a doctor to return to play is important 

since playing with a concussion may slow recovery. A 

repeat concussion that occurs before the brain has fully 

healed can increase the chance for long-term problems. 

While rare, teens are at greater risk of suffering a severe 

brain injury when a repeat concussion occurs before the 

brain has fully healed. It can even be fatal.

Your child’s doctor should carefully manage and monitor 

the process of returning to sports and activities. When 

available, the athletic trainer for your child’s sports 

program or school should be involved. 

On the same day

of the injury. 

Until they get the OK 

from a doctor with 

experience evaluating 

concussion.

AND 

Caring for Your Child’s Concussion: Discharge Instructions www.cdc.gov/HEADSUP
WHAT IF I 

DON’T FEEL 

LIKE MY CHILD 

IS GETTING 

BETTER?

• A headache that gets worse 

and does not go away

• Significant nausea or 

repeated vomiting

• Unusual behavior, increased 

confusion, restlessness, 

or agitation 

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE 

ABOUT CONCUSSION?

Information in this handout is based on CDC’s Guideline 

on the Diagnosis and Management of Mild Traumatic Brain 

Injury Among Children. More information on the Guideline 

and concussion, as well as tips to help your child feel better, 

information about returning to school, and the return-toplay process can be found at www.cdc.gov/HEADSUP. 

The information provided in this handout is not a 

substitute for medical or professional care. Questions 

about diagnosis and treatment for a concussion should 

be directed to your child’s healthcare provider.

After your child’s concussion, call 9-1-1 if your child develops:

If you do not feel like your child is getting better, talk with his or her doctor. Keep track of your child’s concussion 

symptoms, and share them with the doctor. This may help the doctor identify the best treatment for your child’s 

symptoms. You may also need to take your child to see a specialist experienced in treating brain injuries. Ask your 

child’s doctor for names of brain injury specialists in your area. 

Caring for Your Child’s Concussion: Discharge Instructions www.cdc.gov/HEADSUP

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A 

MORE SERIOUS BRAIN INJURY?

• Drowsiness or inability 

to wake up 

• Slurred speech, weakness, 

numbness, or decreased 

coordination

• Convulsions or seizures 

(shaking or twitching)

• Loss of consciousness 

(passing out)