Head Injury and Brain Injury in Children

May 24th 2024

Dear Parents,

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and we wanted to share resources that we hope can help your family minimize risks and be prepared for an injury.

The first and most important section has general information about head injuries in children. All parents should review this article and be aware of any head injury, which can occur from a head bump, fall, or other common mishaps.

We have also included information on head injury risk from common childhood activities, such as bicycles, scooters, skateboarding, and trampolines, as well as information specific to sports-related injuries. While head injuries are more commonly associated with sports like football and hockey, they are also a risk in many other sports.

If your child participates in soccer, lacrosse, cheerleading, basketball, horseback riding, baseball, softball, or other sports with a risk of collision or falling, we encourage you to become familiar with these safety and prevention tips, as well as concussion signs & symptoms.

We encourage all parents to review this information, and as always, we are here if you need us.

Head Injury in Children

This resource includes information on head injuries in children and how to know if it's minor or serious.

What should I do if my child has a head injury but does not lose consciousness?
What if there are changes in my child's condition?
What if my child loses consciousness?
What should I do if my child needs to be observed at home?
What if my child gets worse while being observed at home
Will my child have any permanent damage from a minor head injury?

Learn more about the difference between a head injury that needs only a comforting hug and one that requires immediate medical attention:

Head Injury in Children

Outdoor Activities

Many common childhood activities come with a risk of head injury. While we want children to play and explore outdoors, it's important to take precautions and minimize these risks.

Using the correct safety gear and the appropriate size equipment for your child are key elements to injury prevention. The resources below include more tips for the full range of children's outdoor activities.

Safety Tips for Outdoor Activities

For head injury prevention, this comprehensive guide includes safety tips for playgrounds (including trampolines), bicycles, skateboards, scooters, skating, ATVs, and more.

There's also great information about fireworks, bugs, and lawnmower safety.

Tips for Staying Safe Outdoors

Bicycle Helmets

Here's an FAQ for parents, covering everything from what type of helmet to use, manufacturing safety standards, helmet fit, and more.

⚠️ Your child needs to wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how short or how close to home.

Bicycle Helmets: What Every Parent Should Know

Bicycle Safety

These resources cover bicycle safety for all ages, including when to start riding, choosing the correct size bicycle, riding with your infant, and facts to correct common bicycle safety myths. These facts will help you and your children make every bike ride safe.

Bicycle Safety: Myths & Facts

Choosing the Right Size Bicycle

Baby on Board: Keeping Safe on a Bike

Sports Participation

When it comes to head injuries and sports, you may think the risk is primarily in full-contact sports like hockey and football.

The truth is almost every sport has some level of risk for a head injury. Not all injuries can be prevented, but some may be avoided. Learn more in the HealthChildren.org resources below.

⚠️ Teach your child to never ignore a head injury, no matter how minor. If he or she reports one or more symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, keep him or her out of play and contact your pediatrician as soon as possible.

Concussions: What Parents Need to Know

When is an Athlete Ready to Return to Play?

Sports Helmet Fact Sheets

Signs & Symptoms of Concussion

Signs Observed by Parents or Guardians

Appears dazed or stunned
Is confused about assignment or position
Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
Moves clumsily
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness (even briefly)
Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
Can't recall events prior to hit or fall
Can't recall events after hit or fall

Symptoms Reported by Athlete

Headache or "pressure" in head
Nausea or vomiting
Balance problems or dizziness
Double or blurry vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
Concentration or memory problems
Confusion
Just not "feeling right" or "feeling down"