If you are concerned that your child has suffered a concussion, a fast evaluation is critical. Our goal at UCLA Steve Tisch BrainSPORT is to swiftly diagnose and treat sports concussions in children in order to minimize the effects of brain injury, prevent additional harm, and return young athletes to their academic and physical activities safely.
Sports Concussion Recovery in Children
If your child has a sports concussion, our specialists at UCLA Steve Tisch BrainSPORT may recommend the following recovery process.
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Rest. Rest helps an injured brain heal. Keep your child to a regular sleep schedule.
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Avoid high-risk activities. Until your child’s doctor gives the okay, your child should stop participating in sports, as well as refrain from activities that could cause another bump to the head or body. These include biking, skateboarding, climbing playground equipment and participating in gym class at school.
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Limit technology. Restrict the use of computers, video games, smartphones and television viewing. These activities can over-stimulate the brain and worsen concussion symptoms.
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Manage schoolwork. Children with concussions may find it difficult to concentrate on school work. Your UCLA doctor will work with you and your child to customize a plan for resuming assignments.
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Symptom-limited activity: In some cases, we may actually recommend cognitive activities that challenge the brain or non-contact exercise to help with recovery.
Learn more about concussion treatment at UCLA >
Return to Play after a Concussion
California’s Education Code 49475 requires school coaches and athletic trainers to immediately remove from activity any student athlete who is suspected of having a concussion. A child may return to activity only after a medical professional trained in concussion diagnosis and management has given the okay.
In addition, you and your child must read and sign a brain injury information sheet every year before your child starts practice for a school sport.
