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Concussions are serious injuries that require prompt care. All suspected concussions should be seen by a trained healthcare provider. It is important to follow up with your child’s pediatrician as soon as possible after the injury. If your child exhibits any of these concussion warning signs, they should be seen urgently.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a concussion is, “a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.

The CDC lists the following symptoms as "red flags" that would warrant an ER/emergency visit:

  • One pupil larger than the other.
  • Drowsiness or inability to wake up.
  • A headache that gets worse and does not go away.
  • Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.
  • Repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching).
  • Unusual behavior increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.
  • Loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out). Even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously.

Concussions are serious injuries that require prompt care. All suspected concussions should be seen by a trained healthcare provider. It is important to follow up with your child’s pediatrician as soon as possible after the injury. If your child exhibits any of these concussion warning signs, they should be seen urgently. The Emergency Department at Arkansas Children’s Hospital is also available outside of normal business hours.

    Physical

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling more tired than usual
  • Balance Problems
  • Sensitivity to lights and/or noise

    • Cognitive

  • Difficulty paying attention
  • Difficulty remembering
  • Having to think longer to answer a question
  • Feeling slowed down
  • “Brain fog”

    • Mood

  • Irritability
  • Feeling more sad than usual
  • Feelings of anxiety or worry
  • More Emotional (Happy one minute, then sad or angry the next)

    • Sleep

  • Sleeping more or less than usual
  • Having difficulty falling asleep
  • Drowsiness or feeling like you want to take more naps than usual

Check Symptoms

The Concussion Clinic at ACH offers a comprehensive approach to the evaluation and management of the student athlete who might have sustained a concussion.

Possible Conditions

  • Concussion

    A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.

    Explore

Contact Information

Sports-related concussions are seen in the Orthopedic Clinic.
Non-sports related concussions and concussions in young children are seen in Neuroscience.
Appointments: 501-364-4000

Location

The Arkansas Children's Concussion Clinic offers a comprehensive approach to the evaluation and management of children who might have sustained a concussion. It is a collaborative effort that involves primary care, sports medicine, and physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians. The team is supported by neuropsychologists, physical therapists, social workers and athletic trainers. 

Possible Treatments

  • Diagnosis and management of concussion and post-concussion syndrome
  • Treatment for traumatic brain injuries in a wide variety of ages and causes
  • Computerized neurocognitive testing
  • Access to support services including physical and occupational therapy, social work, speech therapy and neuropsychology
  • Safe return to play consultation
  • Appropriate imaging or referrals
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor long-term recovery
  • Baseline testing is available

These helpful resources help parents understand more about concussion prevention and treatment.

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