Concussion in Kids

Concussion symptoms are usually temporary but can include a range of:

• Physical symptoms: headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, visual problems, poor balance, sensitivity to noise
• Emotional changes
• Thinking difficulties: fogginess, confusion, difficulty remembering, slower thinking
• Sleep disturbances

• After diagnosis and discharge, the child should rest at home.
• Recovery usually takes up to several days but can take longer.

Once your child has been symptom free for 48 hours and feels back to normal, they can commence a gradual return to activities as shown below. Each stage should last 24–48 hours. If they remain symptom-free, they can move up to the next stage.

Returning to School and Cognitive Activities

Stage 1: No activity

Complete mental rest

Aim: Recovery

Stage 2: Minor cognitive activity at home

Short periods (5–15 minutes) of mental activity (homework)

Aim: Gradual, closely monitored increase in activities (without symptoms)

Stage 3: Moderate cognitive activity at home

Longer periods (20–30 minutes) of mental activity (homework)

Aim: Increase cognitive stamina, self-paced activity

Stage 4: Partial school entry

Part day of school attendance, plus 1–2 hours of homework

Aim: Re-entry into school with accommodations to maintain cognitive load without symptoms

Stage 5: Gradual reintegration to school

Gradual increase to full day of school attendance

Aim: Increase cognitive stamina

Stage 6: Full mental workload resumed

Catch up on missed work, testing and assessments

Aim: Full return to school

If your child has persistent headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, or if you have any concerns, take your child to the doctor or emergency department.