Concussion

Children of all ages can be vulnerable to concussions following an injury or trauma. However, the experts in children’s health at Newton Pediatrics can provide a swift diagnosis and treatment to restore healthy function. At their offices in Wellesley and Waltham, Massachusetts, the team determines the best treatment approach and offers compassionate support when your child has a concussion.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is linked to recent injuries or traumas that can be mild or severe in nature. Ailments that may lead to concussions commonly include:

Your child may obtain a concussion if they sustain a bump or blow to the head or experience a severe impact to the body that causes their head to be jarred rapidly back and forth. When this happens, the brain bounces around in your child’s skull, causing chemical changes in the brain that sometimes leads to brain cell damage.

What is post-concussion syndrome?

Post-concussion syndrome is when your child has concussion symptoms that last longer than the expected recovery period. The condition may also be driven by:

Extreme emotional stress
A history of a stroke
Meningitis or encephalitis
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ministroke
Your child may develop delayed symptoms if they have post-concussion syndrome.

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

Your child may experience a variety of concussion symptoms, including:

Brain fogginess
Memory loss
Trouble concentrating
Body pain on one side
Scattered thoughts
Dizziness
Headaches
Mood swings
Pain or tension in your child’s neck or jaw
Sensitivity to light or loud sounds
Sleeplessness or chronic tiredness
Symptoms may arise within a week or two of an injury or ailment, or take months to emerge.

Some symptoms go away after a month or may linger for a year or longer.

How is pediatric concussion diagnosed?

To make a diagnosis, Newtown Pediatrics looks at many variables that might indicate trauma, ranging from changes in balance to memory lapses and dizziness. Depending on your child’s symptoms, age, and the severity of the injury, various tests may also be ordered, such as:

Neurological test

Neurological testing assesses motor and sensory skills, the functioning of one or more cranial nerves, hearing and speech, vision, coordination and balance, mental status, and changes in mood or behavior.

CT scans or MRIs

A CT scan or MRI provides more detailed images of your child’s brain and is used to look for suspected bleeding or swelling.

How can my child recover from a concussion?

Newtown Pediatrics develops a concussion treatment plan based on your child’s medical history, symptoms, and the severity of their condition. Most people who sustain a concussion fully recover within a week or two with rest. However, in rare instances, a concussion can result in long-term problems. The quicker the diagnosis, the better the chances for a full recovery.

Your child’s pediatrician may ask you to cut your child’s screen time and avoid driving or other sports activities for the time being. Be sure to help your child get plenty of rest and take breaks from an activity so they’re not overexerting themselves.

Take the Next Step in Your Child’s Care

Your child deserves compassionate, high-quality medical care at every stage of growth.