Concussion

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We’ve assembled a collection of tools and resources to support pediatricians helping children, youth and families who have sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), also known as concussion, on their road to recovery.

Concussion Overview

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) 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 move or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.

Concussions are functional injuries that impact a child or youth’s mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

With an estimated 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries occurring annually, many of them concussions, the need for specific recommendations and support is necessary for returning children to school, learning, activities and play safely.

AAP Recommendations

The AAP provides recommendations and guidelines to support pediatricians and other health care professionals working with children, youth and families following a concussion.

Returning to Learning Following a Concussion 
Sport-Related Concussion in Children and Adolescents

Additional Literature:
Establishing Consensus for Essential Elements in Returning to Learn Following a Concussion

Professional Tools & Resources

The following resources are designed to help you address concussion management.

Preventing Head Injuries in Young Children Toolkit

The AAP has assembled a collection of tools and resources that can prevent head injuries in young children 0-4 years old.

Youth Concussions and Mental Health

View resourses providing key information regarding mental health following youth sustaining concussions.

School Recommendations Following Concussion

Use this letter to inform school personnel that a student has sustained a concussion

CDC HEADS Up to Health Care Providers

CDC has created practical, easy-to-use clinical information and tools for health care providers and their patients, including free online training that offers free continuing education credits.

REAP Manual: Benefits of Good Concussion Management

REAP® which stands for remove/reduce, educate, adjust/accommodate, and pace, is a community-based model for concussion management.

Return to Learn Infographics

View infographics that provide key information regarding a student's return back to school, learning and play following a concussion.

Video Series: Return to Learning following a Concussion

A video series designed to support health providers support students and families return to school and learn following a concussion.

Resources for Families

The following HealthChildren.org articles can help families identify potential concussions symptoms and provide helpful guidance for return to school, learning, and play.

Sports-Related Concussion: Understanding the Risks, Signs & Symptoms

Share this information with the families in your care to help them better understand the symptoms of a concussion and the risks for long-term complications.

After a Concussion: When to Return to School

After a concussion, it is common for guardians and coaches to ask when their child can return to play. However, it is also important to for adults to remember that children are "students" first and "athletes" second.

Concussions: What Parents Need to Know

Help parents understand that while not all concussions can be prevented, some may be avoided with this overview of concussion diagnosis and treatment.

Which Kids Are Most at Risk & How to Prevent Head Injuries?

Can parents tell if their child has a simple bump to the head, or a serious traumatic brain injury (TBI)? What should you do if you suspect your child has a concussion? How can you prevent head injuries to begin with? Dr. Elizabeth Portin helps you understand what to watch out for if your child has hit their head, and how to keep it from happening in the first place.

¿Qué niños están más en riesgo y cómo prevenir lesiones en la cabeza?

¿Pueden los padres saber si su hijo tiene un simple golpe en la cabeza o una lesión cerebral traumática grave (LCT)? ¿Qué debe hacer si sospecha que su hijo tiene una conmoción cerebral? ¿Cómo se puede prevenir lesiones en la cabeza? El Dr. Frank Silva le ayuda a entender qué signos debe observar si su hijo se ha golpeado la cabeza y cómo evitar que esto ocurra.

Resources for Schools

Find helpful tools for teachers and related service providers from the Get Schooled on Concussions website on how to manage concussions in the classroom.

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Podcasts and Voices Blogs

Learn what others are saying. Listen to our podcasts and read our blog posts.

Head and Shoulders Above 20th Century Practices

Two decades ago, concussions were often brushed off as minor injuries, not requiring medical attention or care. Fast forward 20 years and we see so much was learned in the field through cutting edge research and then translated into practical information for children and families.

Voices Blog

August 24, 2023

New Guidelines for Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries Help Families Understand Recovery Process

Find resources on the latest clinical recommendations on mild traumatic brain injuries designed to reassure patients and families and help them understand the recovery process.