Can You Sleep with a Concussion? Signs, Symptoms & Myths
Concussions can be as confusing as they are concerning. For example, contrary to popular belief, it's generally safe to let someone with a concussion sleep. In fact, rest is a crucial part of recovery.
But it might surprise you what other activities to avoid and how different the symptoms can be, depending on a person鈥檚 age. Katherine Rizzone, MD, MPH,a physician at UR Medicine鈥檚 Concussion Care Clinic, explains concussion symptoms, treatment protocols, and how to help your concussed child recover safely.
Signs of a Concussion
A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow to the head or neck, often happening during sports. The most common concussion symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light and sound (photophobia/phonophobia)
- Irritability
- Problems concentrating
- Nausea
Dr. Rizzone says that symptoms can vary from person to person. 鈥淢ost people experience headaches and dizziness, but other symptoms like fatigue or nausea are common too,鈥� she said.
Signs of a Concussion in a Toddler
For younger children, concussion symptoms can look a little different. Toddlers may not be able to describe what they鈥檙e feeling, so watch for signs such as:
- Excessive crying
- Irritability
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Less interest in play
If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, reach out to their pediatrician.
Concussion Protocol for Kids in Sports
During sports, if someone suspects a concussion, they immediately pull the athlete from play and evaluate them. According to Dr. Rizzone, "If after direct evaluation there are no concerns for a concussion, they can return to play with close monitoring for any return of symptoms.
However, if there are any concerns, we stop participation and evaluate them in the next one to two days. If in doubt, sit them out."
What Is the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-6?
The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-6 (SCAT-6) is a standardized tool for evaluating athletes for concussions on the sidelines. 麻豆视频athletic trainers frequently use SCAT-6 to guide their concussion protocols during games and in their school training rooms.
The tool helps trainers and healthcare providers check signs of a concussion, including symptoms, cognitive function, and balance.
When to See a Doctor for a Concussion
If your child has a head injury, where should you go for care? Should you take them to the emergency department (ED), urgent care, or their primary care doctor?
It鈥檚 best to call your child鈥檚 doctor first to discuss next steps. "If your child is vomiting or is having difficulty speaking or walking, go to the emergency department to be evaluated. Or if symptoms worsen after the initial injury, it's important to seek care," advises Dr. Rizzone.
Seek emergency care if your child shows any of the following:
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Vomiting
Difficulty waking up
If your child has mild symptoms, see their primary care doctor within one to two days for proper evaluation and care.
What to Avoid After a Concussion
It is extremely dangerous to suffer a second concussion soon after experiencing the first one. Avoid strenuous activities and anything that could make symptoms worse, such as:
- Bright lights
- Loud sounds
- Screens (like phones or tablets)
- Reading
- Strenuous activities
If symptoms worsen or persist, your child may need to stay out of school or participate in half days until they fully recover.
Research and Advancements in Concussion Care
Advanced Technologies
In recent years, Dr. Bazarian and his team found that a portable, handheld EEG device can help diagnose sport-related concussions at the time of injury. The team used the to support the submission of the device to the FDA.
For decades, 麻豆视频 researchers have been working to better understand head injuries. Jeffrey Bazarian, MD, MP, leads a traumatic brain injury (TBI) lab called the Bazarian Lab.
Since 2009, the team has studied more than 700 collegiate athletes and 100 non-athletes.
The team has investigated a variety of concussion-related matters, including the impact of head injuries on brain structure and function, concussion epidemiology, and how to optimize outpatient treatments for concussion.
Sports Medicine and Concussion Care
The UR Medicine Pediatric Concussion Program offers comprehensive care for sport-related and non-sport-related pediatric concussions. If your child has a sports concussion, call (585) 275-2808. If your child has experienced a general concussion, first contact their primary care provider.