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Dyson Pediatrics | Tucson, Arizona

Concussion Care and Return to Play Guidance

Dyson Pediatrics helps Tucson families recognize concussion symptoms, understand when a child or teen should be removed from sports, and follow a safe recovery plan for school, activity, and return to play.

Suspect a Concussion?

Remove the athlete from play right away

Same-Day Return?

No return to sports the same day

Back to Play

Only after symptoms resolve and progression is completed

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even what seems like a mild hit can be serious.

Concussion symptoms may appear right away, or they may not be noticed until hours or days later. Most concussions happen without a child being knocked out, which is one reason these injuries can be missed at first.

Common Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

Concussion symptoms can look different from child to child. Some signs may be noticed by a parent, coach, teacher, or teammate, while other symptoms may only be felt by the child or teen.

What Parents, Coaches, or Teachers May Notice

  • appears dazed or stunned
  • confused about the game, score, or assignment
  • forgets instructions
  • moves clumsily
  • answers questions slowly
  • seems different in mood, behavior, or personality
  • cannot recall events before or after the hit

What the Child or Teen May Report

  • headache or pressure in the head
  • nausea or vomiting
  • balance problems or dizziness
  • double or blurry vision
  • sensitivity to light or noise
  • feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
  • trouble concentrating or remembering
  • confusion or feeling slowed down
  • just not feeling right

Danger Signs That Need Urgent Medical Attention

Some symptoms after a head injury may be signs of a more serious problem. Seek urgent medical attention right away if your child has any of the following:

  • one pupil larger than the other
  • is very drowsy, cannot be awakened, or cannot stay awake
  • headache that gets worse and does not go away
  • weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
  • repeated vomiting or repeated nausea
  • slurred speech
  • convulsions or seizures
  • cannot recognize people or places
  • increasing confusion, restlessness, agitation, or unusual behavior
  • loss of consciousness, even briefly

What Should You Do If You Think Your Child Has a Concussion?

If you suspect a concussion, remove your child from sports or physical activity right away. A child or teen should not return to play the same day after a suspected concussion.

They should be evaluated by a medical provider and follow a gradual plan for school, activity, and return to sports.

  1. Remove your child from sports or physical activity right away.
  2. Do not let them return the same day.
  3. Watch closely for worsening symptoms or danger signs.
  4. Have them evaluated by a medical provider experienced in concussion care.
  5. Follow a gradual plan for school, exercise, and return to sports.

Concussion Recovery, Return to School, and Return to Play

Concussion recovery should happen step by step. Children and teens need time for symptoms to improve before returning to full school demands, exercise, practice, and competition.

Return-to-play progression usually starts with light activity and gradually increases only if symptoms do not return. If symptoms come back, the child should stop, rest, and return to the previous symptom-free level before trying to move forward again.

Return to School

  • most children should not stay home from school too long
  • return is often possible within a few days with accommodations
  • supports may include rest breaks, reduced workload, and limited screen exposure
  • symptoms should guide the pace

Return to Play

  • no same-day return to sports
  • begin only after symptoms improve and a provider approves progression
  • each step usually takes at least 24 hours
  • if symptoms come back, stop and go back to the previous level

When to Call Dyson Pediatrics

Call Dyson Pediatrics if your child has concussion symptoms, needs follow-up after a head injury, or needs guidance before returning to school, sports, or physical activity.

  • your child has ongoing headache, dizziness, nausea, or light sensitivity
  • symptoms are not improving over the next few days
  • your child is struggling to return to school
  • you need sports clearance or return-to-play guidance
  • your child has had more than one concussion
  • you are not sure whether symptoms are concussion-related

Need Concussion Guidance for Your Child or Teen?

Dyson Pediatrics helps Tucson families with concussion evaluation guidance, recovery planning, return-to-school support, and return-to-play follow-up.

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Send Us a Message

For non-urgent questions and requests, use the form below. If you have MyChart account, it’s often the quickest way to message us, manage appointments, and take care of forms.

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ADDRESS

Dyson Medical

2222 N. Craycroft Rd, Suite #150
Tucson, Az 85712

PHONE

(520) 202-3488

Poison Control Hotline

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Call or Text 988
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