A concussion isn’t just a bump on the head — it’s a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can have long-lasting and devastating consequences when not properly treated. Concussions happen when the brain bounces or twists inside the skull, typically due to a blow to the head or a sudden jolt to the body that causes the head to snap back and forth.
While most people associate concussions with symptoms like headaches or even loss of consciousness, many concussions cause signs that are much harder to detect. What’s more, concussion symptoms don’t always happen right away — some can take days or even weeks to become apparent.
At Nevada Pediatric Specialists, our team is skilled in identifying and treating concussion injuries in kids, using lab tests and other assessments to ensure your child gets appropriate treatment right away. Here, we outline four lesser-known concussion symptoms that can be especially difficult to spot.
Because concussions affect the brain, they can also have an effect on sleeping behavior. Specifically, your child may be especially sleepy or drowsy, or they may sleep more than usual. Conversely, some concussions can make it more difficult for your child to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Bottom line: Any change in sleep behavior is worth taking note of, especially when it occurs following a head injury — even one that seems mild.
Concussions can also take a toll on a child’s mood, causing excessive irritability or moodiness. You may notice that your child has sudden and unusual emotional outbursts, changes in mood, or even outright anger. Some mood changes may be obvious while others are subtler and harder to detect.
Concussions are brain injuries, so it shouldn’t be surprising that they can take a toll on a child’s ability to perform basic cognitive tasks, especially those involving concentration and memory. Some kids may have changes in speech, such as searching for words, using the incorrect word, or speaking more slowly than normal.
Your child may find that bright lights or loud sounds hurt their eyes or ears following a concussion. They may find smells offensive, sometimes experiencing nausea or vomiting in response to even mild or common odors. These symptoms can be caused by other problems, too, including migraines, so you should always have them evaluated.
Recognizing concussions can be challenging, in part because symptoms can develop over time. Being aware of the less common signs can help ensure that your child receives appropriate care as soon as possible following a head injury.
Whether you suspect your child has a concussion or they’ve had a fall or other accident involving a direct or indirect impact to their head or face, seek professional medical care promptly so a doctor can assess them.
If you have questions about concussions or you’d like to schedule an assessment for your child, visit our walk-in clinic or book an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Nevada Pediatric Specialists in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada.
