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Longer-term advice

Symptoms after a bump to the head might last for weeks or months – this is known as post-concussion syndrome.

On this page: 

Post-concussion syndrome

Living with an acquired brain injury

 

Sometimes a child who has suffered a concussion will develop a number of symptoms that last weeks, months or possibly longer. This is called post-concussion syndrome (or persistent post-concussion symptoms) and can lead to significant challenges for a child – below we provide some tips with dealing with these challenges in the longer term. 

Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome 

If a child has suffered from a concussion and has been having some lasting difficulties or ongoing effects, they could possibly have post-concussion syndrome. 

    Symptoms include: 

  • headaches 
  • dizziness  
  • fatigue/tiredness 
  • insomnia; where the child finds it difficult to sleep 
  • irritability 
  • anxiety 
  • loss of concentration or memory difficulties 
  • noise and light sensitivity 
  • tinnitus; a ringing in the ears.

Risk factors 

There are a few things that are sometimes linked to a longer recovery time for some children and young people. These risk factors include: 

  • if a child has been concussed before  
  • previous diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 
  • mental health issues 
  • if a child has had a prolonged loss of consciousness. 

Approximately 20% of children and young people who have mild brain injuries are likely to have longer-term difficulties – it’s important to keep a check on any symptoms and find ways to help manage these. 

Diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome

If a child is diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, options should be discussed with the child’s GP. Your child may be referred to a specialist to support them in dealing with some of the effects or difficulties they are having. You can also contact our Brain Injury Community Service for further help and advice. 

Managing post-concussion syndrome

It is best to speak to a specialist (like the Brain Injury Community Service and your GP for tips to manage post-concussion syndrome. For extra information, you may want to read the charity Headway’s booklet on mild head injury, but please keep in mind this is written for adults.  

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Living with an acquired brain injury

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The Brain Injury Hub, our online information resource, includes specific support on living with an acquired brain injury, including the following areas: 

Further advice for parents/carers of teenagers and teachers

Advice for parents of teenagers as they approach adulthood

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Fast-track session for teachers: understanding brain injury

Seek Medical Advice

If your child has a head injury we recommend seeking medical advice as soon as possible after the injury (call 111, your GP or in an emergency 999).

Explore our site

Bumps happen

Explore our Bumps Happen information

Most head injuries are not serious but bumps do happen. Find your way around our information - we share the signs to look out for, and steps to take, in case your child has had a concussion.

Amelia

Contact our specialists

Looking for further advice and support? If your child’s symptoms persist longer than six weeks and you would like support from one of our specialists, contact our virtual ABI team.