Head injuries can happen to anyone—whether it’s a child on the playground, a teen athlete, or an adult slipping on ice. Here’s what Stone Ridge families need to know about recognizing and managing concussions.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. While most aren’t life-threatening, they require proper care. Important: You don’t have to lose consciousness to have a concussion—most people don’t.

Recognizing the Signs

Symptoms can appear immediately or develop over hours or days. Watch for:

• Headache or pressure in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Confusion or feeling “foggy”
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or mood changes
• Changes in sleep patterns

In young children: Excessive crying, changes in eating or sleeping, loss of interest in activities, or appearing dazed.

When to Seek Immediate Emergency Care

Go to the ER right away for:

• Loss of consciousness over one minute
• Severe or worsening headache
• Repeated vomiting
• Seizures
• Weakness or difficulty walking
• Slurred speech
• Unequal pupils
• Increasing confusion or cannot be awakened

When to Visit Night Watch Stone Ridge

Visit us if you or your child has a head injury with any concussion symptoms, or if you’re uncertain about severity. We’ll perform a thorough assessment, provide a diagnosis, and create a recovery plan. When it comes to head injuries, it’s always better to be cautious.

Recovery Guidelines

Most people recover within 1-2 weeks with proper rest. The key is gradual return to activities.

Initial rest: No sports, limited work/school tasks, reduced screen time, and quiet activities only.

Step-by-step return:

1. Light activities at home
2. Return to school/work (with modifications if needed)
3. Light physical activity
4. Non-contact practice or exercise
5. Full activities with medical clearance

Critical rule: If symptoms return at any step, go back to resting. Never return to sports or high-risk activities the same day as the injury.

Age-Specific Considerations

Children and teens: Young brains take longer to heal and are at higher risk for complications if they return to activities too soon.

Older adults (65+): Should be especially cautious due to higher risk for complications and potential medication interactions.

All athletes: Must be symptom-free and receive medical clearance before returning to contact sports.

The Bottom Line

Concussions affect people of all ages and should always be taken seriously. Don’t hesitate to seek evaluation after a head injury—early recognition and proper recovery are crucial for long-term health.

Night Watch Stone Ridge is here for your whole family with walk-ins welcome. No appointment necessary for concussion evaluations.