Teen Drivers and Concussion After an Accident: A Parent Guide

Teen drivers can be hurt in crashes they think were minor. Parents are often the first to notice a change.

What parents may see

Falling grades, headaches during homework, irritability, sleeping more or less, and screen-time headaches.

Teen drivers are in a unique position

Teenagers are newer drivers, and their brains are still developing. After a crash, a teen may downplay symptoms because they want to keep driving, don't want to miss sports, or feel embarrassed. Parents may not see them for long stretches of the school day. So concussion symptoms can show up first as falling grades, irritability, or trouble getting up in the morning, rather than as a direct complaint.

What parents should watch for

Notice whether your teen has headaches that keep returning, seems more tired than usual, struggles with homework they used to handle, is unusually short-tempered or emotional, avoids screens or bright light, or complains about noisy places like the cafeteria. Ask teachers and coaches whether they've noticed anything. Keep a short record of what you see and when.

School and activities

Many teens need temporary changes at school while they recover, such as extra time, breaks, or a lighter workload. Decisions about returning to sports and other physical activity should come from the treating provider. Activities that risk another head impact while symptoms are present deserve particular caution.

Driving after a concussion

Driving requires attention, quick reactions, and visual processing, all of which a concussion can affect. A teen who is still symptomatic should talk with their provider before getting back behind the wheel. Parents can help by setting a clear family rule: no driving until the provider says it's okay.

How testing can help

When symptoms persist, standardized testing at the teen's treating provider's office measures attention, processing speed, eye movements, and brain activity. A physician reviews the results and sends a report to the provider, who decides on next steps, including school accommodations and specialist referrals.

Emergency warning signs

Take your teen to the ER or call 911 for a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, unusual drowsiness, slurred speech, weakness, or confusion. Trust your instincts. If something seems seriously wrong, get help now.

Talking with your teen

Keep the conversation supportive, not punishing. Explain that reporting symptoms is how they get back to normal activities sooner and more safely. Teens who feel listened to are more likely to tell you when something isn't right.

Talk to the school

Teachers can report changes in focus. Ask the provider about temporary academic adjustments.

Getting an evaluation

Your teen's treating provider can refer for standardized testing. Red-flag symptoms need the ER.

When it's an emergency

Go to the ER right away for a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, a seizure, weakness, slurred speech, or increasing confusion. Mobile testing is not emergency care.

Braintree Health Partners provides diagnostics only. We diagnose. You treat.

Ask your provider to refer you: providers use /referral or call 813-709-3771.

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