A concussion screening is a critical assessment that every child should have if they hit their head or are in a vehicle accident and have concussion symptoms. A concussion is a type of brain injury that can affect blood vessels and nerves and cause memory loss, coordination, hearing, and vision.
It is not uncommon for children to bump or jolt their heads while playing, especially when participating in high-impact sports. A concussion screening evaluates your child's head injury and determines if they need further treatment, need to take precautions, or should refrain from strenuous activity while they heal.
If your child suffers a blow to the head or has an event that causes their head to move back and forth rapidly, they may need a concussion screening.
Signs of a concussion may include:
You should seek emergency care if they have severe signs of brain injury, including repeated nausea or vomiting, numbness, weakness, slurred speech, inability to wake up, unequal pupils, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Signs of a concussion may not show up for hours or even days after an injury.
An experienced provider at Virginia Pediatric Group assesses your child for signs of brain injury by asking questions and evaluating their:
Your provider may recommend a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out severe damage or a head injury.
In most cases, the treatment for a concussion is pain relief and rest. A child with a head injury should not return to school, sports, physical education, or increased physical activity until directed by their provider.
While your child heals, the team at Virginia Pediatric Group recommends:
If your child's symptoms change dramatically or worsen after their initial concussion screening, or if you have questions, you can get guidance from the nurse advice line during regular hours or from after-hours care in the evenings or weekends.
For expert concussion screening, call Virginia Pediatric Group or schedule an appointment online today.