4 Subtle Concussion Symptoms in Children

Has your child recently had a fall or a sports accident? It’s easy to see cuts or bruises and take care of them, but what about a hit to the head? Would you recognize the signs of a concussion? 

Board-certified pediatric neurologist Dr. Charles Niesen and our team at AMS Neurology in Pasadena, California, diagnose and treat concussions in children. Sometimes symptoms are subtle, and you may not recognize them. If your child has sustained a knock on the head, getting it checked out offers peace of mind. 

Following are four concussion symptoms in children that can easily be overlooked. 

Irritability and mood changes

If your loved one is normally agreeable and you have a good relationship, it’s upsetting to see their demeanor change from happy-go-lucky to prickly. You may remind them of a chore they haven’t done and get a curt answer. Where did that come from? Perhaps you ask about a school project they were excited about and get a “meh” response. 

If you notice a shift in your child's mood, it’s important to get to the bottom of it before things get out of hand. Instead of disrespect, your child’s moodiness could be a symptom of a concussion. 

Inability to concentrate on a task

Your child normally gets As and Bs on tests. You notice a low grade on one of their papers. Perhaps your loved one tells you they finished their homework at school, but the teacher emails you and says the homework wasn’t done or that the quality of work has taken a sudden nosedive. 

Perhaps you’ve also noticed changes at home. Your child seems distracted. They can’t focus on their homework like they usually do. 

The inability to concentrate is one symptom of a concussion. Early diagnosis and treatment of a concussion help prevent further damage and long-lasting consequences. 

Memory problems 

Is your teenager suddenly forgetting appointments? Perhaps they’re supposed to pick up a sibling after school, but they forget, or the school calls you because your younger child doesn’t have a ride home. When you ask your teen what happened, they have no excuse. 

You can understand one missed appointment, but you notice they’ve had other memory lapses lately. Problems with memory are hallmarks of a concussion. 

Feeling tired frequently 

A hallmark of youth is boundless energy. Your toddler may be described as having a charged battery running most of the time, but now they’re not moving around much. 

Has your child or teen suddenly become a couch potato? They start watching TV but may fall asleep or get up and go to their bedroom to lie down. Feeling tired and sluggish isn’t normal for a child or teenager. 

Other concussion symptoms that are immediately noticeable include dizziness, nausea, blurry vision, and extreme sensitivity to light. Your child may not have these symptoms but still have a concussion. 

Call our office at AMS Neurology or book an appointment online today if you suspect your child has a concussion. We can help bring your child back to optimum health.