If your child plays football, soccer, baseball, cheer, or any contact sport, you’ve probably heard about concussions.
While most head injuries in youth sports are mild, it’s important for parents to recognize the signs early and know when to get checked out.
At First Priority ER in New Braunfels, we treat concussions in children and teens year-round, helping parents make confident, informed decisions about their child’s recovery.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that happens when a bump, hit, or jolt to the head causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull.
Even a seemingly small collision on the field can lead to temporary changes in how the brain functions.
Common causes of sports-related concussions:
- Football tackles and helmet collisions
- Soccer headers or falls
- Cheer or gymnastics stunts
- Baseball or softball impacts
- Skateboard, bike, or scooter accidents
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion in Kids
Concussions can look different from child to child. Some symptoms appear right away, while others show up hours later.
Physical symptoms:
- Headache or “pressure” in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Blurry or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
Cognitive and behavioral symptoms:
- Confusion or slow response time
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Irritability or mood changes
- Fatigue or “foggy” feeling
If your child is acting “off” after a hit, even without losing consciousness, it’s safest to have them evaluated.
When to Go to the ER for a Concussion
Most concussions can be managed with rest and monitoring, but some require immediate medical care.
Head to First Priority ER or the nearest emergency room if your child has:
- Repeated vomiting
- Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
- Severe or worsening headache
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Unequal pupils or vision changes
- Difficulty waking up
- Weakness or numbness in limbs
At First Priority ER, our team provides on-site imaging, neurological assessments, and personalized follow-up guidance to ensure your child recovers safely.
How Long Does a Concussion Last?
Every concussion is different, but most children recover within 1 to 3 weeks.
Returning to school or sports too soon can increase the risk of a second injury, known as second-impact syndrome, which can be much more serious.
Always get medical clearance before your child resumes physical activity.
Preventing Sports Concussions
You can’t prevent every injury, but a few habits can lower the risk:
- Make sure helmets and gear fit properly
- Encourage safe play and rule awareness
- Teach kids to report hits or symptoms right away
- Emphasize rest and recovery after injuries
And most importantly, support a culture where health comes before the game.
Why Parents in New Braunfels Trust First Priority ER
When the unexpected happens on the field, you don’t need to drive far or wait for hours.
At First Priority ER, you’ll find:
- Little-to-no wait times
- Pediatric-trained emergency staff
- On-site imaging and evaluation
- 24/7 availability, including weekends and after school games
We treat young athletes like family,
If you suspect your child has a concussion, don’t wait it out.
Come see us at First Priority ER, we’re open 24/7, right here in New Braunfels, with fast, thorough, and compassionate care for kids and teens.
Because when it comes to head injuries, peace of mind starts with getting checked.
