Your Child Was in a Car Crash: Concussion Signs for Tallahassee Parents
The concussion signs parents in Tallahassee and the Big Bend should watch for after a car crash, when to go to the ER, and how to help a child back to school.
Car seats and seat belts protect children well, and most kids walk away from a fender bender on Capital Circle, Apalachee Parkway or Thomasville Road without serious harm. Still, a crash can jolt a child's head and body hard enough to cause a concussion, even if their head never hit anything. And children often cannot tell you what is wrong.
This guide is for parents and caregivers in Tallahassee and the Big Bend. It covers the signs to watch for, when to go to the emergency room, and how to help your child get back to normal life.
Key takeaways
- A concussion can happen from a jolt to the body, even if a child's head never hit anything.
- Some symptoms may not appear for hours or even days after a crash.
- Call 911 or go to the nearest ER right away for any CDC danger sign.
- The CDC says most children feel better within two to four weeks and can return to school within one to two days.
A concussion can happen without a head bump
The CDC explains that a concussion can come from a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or from a hit to the body that makes the head and brain move quickly back and forth. That sudden movement causes changes in the brain that can affect how a child thinks, learns, feels, acts and sleeps.
Symptoms usually show up soon after the injury, but some may not appear for hours or even days.
Children often cannot tell you what is wrong. Watch for changes in sleep, mood, attention and play.
Signs to watch for in the days after a crash
Older children and teens may tell you about headaches, dizziness, blurry vision or feeling foggy. Younger children usually cannot. Watch for changes like these:
- Headaches, or a young child holding or rubbing their head.
- Being much more tired, cranky or tearful than usual.
- Changes in sleep, sleeping much more or much less.
- Losing interest in favorite toys, games or activities.
- Trouble paying attention, following directions or remembering things.
- Being bothered by bright lights or noise.
- Clumsiness or balance problems.
Teens who drive may also have more trouble behind the wheel. Florida's 2024 crash report counts 968 drivers aged 15 to 19 involved in crashes in Leon County alone, so many local families are dealing with a young driver's first crash. A teen with concussion symptoms should not drive until their provider says it is okay.
When to go to the emergency room
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away if your child has any of these CDC danger signs after a crash:
- A headache that gets worse and does not go away.
- Weakness, numbness, poor coordination or a seizure.
- Slurred speech or unusual behavior.
- One pupil larger than the other.
- Confusion, restlessness, or not recognizing people or places.
- Passing out, looking very drowsy or being hard to wake.
- Crying that will not stop and cannot be soothed.
In Tallahassee, Tallahassee Memorial's Bixler Trauma & Emergency Center is the region's only Level II trauma center, and TMH also has the region's pediatric intensive care unit. HCA Florida Capital Hospital has a 24/7 emergency room. Families in Perry, Madison and Apalachicola can go to Doctors' Memorial Hospital, Madison County Memorial Hospital or Weems Memorial Hospital.
Why a scan is not always needed
Parents are often surprised when a child is not given a CT scan. A CDC guideline on concussion in children (Lumba-Brown et al., JAMA Pediatrics, 2018) advises that providers should not routinely use CT imaging to diagnose mild TBI in children. That is because CT mainly looks for bleeding and fractures, and it uses radiation. The doctor decides based on how your child looks and what happened.
Helping your child recover
The CDC says most children with a concussion feel better within two to four weeks, though some have symptoms that last longer. A few things help:
- Have your child seen by a health care provider, even if the symptoms seem mild.
- Expect a short break, not long bed rest. The CDC notes most children can go back to school within one to two days.
- Talk with teachers and the school nurse. Your child's provider can fill out the CDC HEADS UP Letter to Schools to explain what support they may need, like extra time or breaks.
- Keep them away from sports and rough play until their provider clears them.
- Keep a simple daily note of symptoms to share at follow-up visits.
When testing can help
If symptoms linger, your child's provider may refer them for concussion testing. Braintree is a mobile service, so our team comes to your provider's office in Tallahassee or nearby communities like Quincy, Crawfordville and Monticello. Your provider receives a physician-reviewed diagnostic report and uses it to guide care, including return to school and sports. Learn more on our For Patients page, about concussion and TBI testing and about our Tallahassee and Big Bend service area. The Tallahassee & Big Bend Crash Map shares recent local crash news.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child have a concussion if they did not hit their head in the crash?
Yes. The CDC explains that a jolt to the body that makes the head move quickly can cause a concussion, even without a direct hit to the head.
How soon do concussion symptoms show up in children?
Usually soon after the injury, but some symptoms may not appear for hours or days. Keep watching your child for a few days after a crash.
Does my child need a CT scan after a car accident?
Not always. A CDC guideline advises against routine CT scans to diagnose mild TBI in children. The emergency doctor decides based on your child's symptoms and the crash.
When can my child go back to school after a concussion?
The CDC notes most children can return within one to two days, often with extra support like breaks or extra time. Ask your child's provider and talk with the school.
How do we get concussion testing in Tallahassee?
Ask your child's provider. If testing makes sense, they refer you, and Braintree's mobile team tests your child at their office.
Sources
- CDC HEADS UP: Concussion basics for parents
- CDC: Symptoms of mild TBI and concussion (including danger signs)
- CDC HEADS UP: Returning to school after a concussion
- Lumba-Brown A et al. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guideline on the diagnosis and management of mild traumatic brain injury among children. JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(11):e182853
- FLHSMV: Florida Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report 2024
- Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare: Bixler Trauma & Emergency Center
- Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare: Accreditations
- HCA Florida Capital Hospital
- Doctors' Memorial Hospital (Perry): Emergency services
- Madison County Memorial Hospital: Emergency department
- George E. Weems Memorial Hospital (Apalachicola)
This article is educational and is not medical or legal advice. If this is a medical emergency, call 911.
