A knock to the head rarely looks the same in a seven-year-old as it does in a thirty-five-year-old. Children and adolescents are still developing neurologically, and this affects how a concussion presents, how long symptoms may linger, and how carefully return to school, sport and normal activity needs to be managed.
For parents, coaches and community clubs across the Mornington Peninsula, understanding these differences matters. Whether it’s a junior football, netball, soccer, basketball or cricket match in McCrae, Dromana, Rosebud or Rye, being able to recognise the signs early supports a safer, more informed response.
Why age changes the picture
A concussion is a functional disturbance of the brain following a knock to the head or a whiplash-type force transmitted to the head. The underlying injury mechanism is similar across ages, but the developing brain of a child or teenager tends to respond differently to that disturbance than a fully matured adult brain. Recognised concussion frameworks, including those used by Complete Concussions (CCMI) and referenced in AFL concussion guidelines, treat younger athletes as a distinct population requiring a more conservative approach.
How symptoms can differ in children
Younger children often cannot describe what they’re feeling in the same way an adult can. Instead of reporting a headache or dizziness, a child might simply seem “off”, clingy, tearful, or unusually quiet. Common presentations in children and younger adolescents include:
- Behavioural changes, such as irritability, tantrums or withdrawal, rather than clearly stated symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating at school, appearing more forgetful, or struggling with homework that was previously manageable
- Sleep disturbances, including sleeping more or less than usual
- Vague complaints like “my head feels funny” instead of a specific description of pain
- Symptoms that take longer to fully resolve compared with adults
Because children’s communication and self-awareness are still developing, parents and coaches often need to rely more on observed changes in behaviour and performance than on the child’s own report.
How symptoms typically present in adults
Adults are generally more able to identify and articulate specific symptoms, such as headache, light sensitivity, nausea, or difficulty concentrating. Adults may also be more likely to try to “push through” symptoms to return to work, driving or sport, which can complicate recovery if it isn’t recognised early. While adult symptoms often resolve over a shorter timeframe than in children, this isn’t guaranteed, and every case needs individual assessment rather than assumptions based on age alone.
Signs that apply to any age
Regardless of age, certain signs and symptoms warrant attention after a head knock. These include headache, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, sensitivity to light or noise, nausea, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and changes in mood such as increased irritability or anxiety. Any loss of consciousness, seizure, repeated vomiting, worsening headache, or increasing confusion should be treated as a medical emergency and assessed urgently, in children and adults alike.
Why age-appropriate assessment matters
Because children and adolescents can present less obviously and may take longer to recover, an age-appropriate approach to assessment is important. This is where structured concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula can support families and clubs in understanding what’s happening and what a sensible, gradual return-to-activity pathway might look like. Testing does not prevent concussion or guarantee a safe return to play, but it can help build a clearer picture to inform decisions alongside medical care.
Our osteopaths at The Seaside Osteo in McCrae have undertaken training through Complete Concussions (CCMI), which provides a structured framework for recognising concussion and supporting graduated return to school, work and sport. If your child, or you, has experienced a suspected concussion, concussion assessment can form part of a broader, individualised approach to recovery alongside your GP or other treating practitioners.
Supporting junior clubs and families locally
Junior sporting clubs around the Mornington Peninsula play an important role in recognising possible concussions early and removing a player from play when in doubt. Coaches and team managers don’t need to diagnose a concussion on the sideline, but knowing the warning signs, and having a clear “if in doubt, sit them out” policy, supports safer outcomes for young athletes. For clubs and parents wanting to understand concussion recognition in more depth, our free concussion workshop covers practical, evidence-based information on spotting the signs and knowing when to seek assessment.
Concussion doesn’t always look the same twice, even in the same person, and it certainly doesn’t look the same in a child as it does in an adult. Being aware of these differences, and knowing when to seek professional assessment, is one of the most useful things a parent, coach or club can do.
Frequently asked questions
Do children take longer to recover from concussion than adults?
Recovery varies from person to person, but children and adolescents can sometimes take longer for symptoms to fully resolve than adults, due to the developing brain. Individual assessment and monitoring are important rather than assuming a fixed timeframe.
My child seems fine after a knock to the head but is unusually quiet. Should I be concerned?
Behavioural changes such as quietness, irritability or clinginess can be a sign of concussion in children, even without a clear complaint of headache or dizziness. It’s worth having them assessed by a health professional if you notice any change in behaviour after a head knock.
Can concussion testing tell us for certain if my child has had a concussion?
Concussion testing supports a clearer clinical picture and helps inform decisions about rest and gradual return to activity, but it is one part of a broader assessment. It does not replace individual medical assessment or guarantee a specific diagnosis.
Should a child be taken to hospital straight after a suspected concussion?
Any loss of consciousness, seizure, repeated vomiting, worsening headache or increasing confusion needs urgent medical attention. For milder presentations without these red flags, a timely assessment with a GP or trained practitioner is recommended.
How is a concussion assessment for a child different from one for an adult?
Assessment for children typically involves more input from parents, teachers and coaches about observed behavioural and cognitive changes, alongside age-appropriate testing. Adults can usually report their own symptoms more directly, but both still require an individualised approach.
Concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula
To learn more or arrange concussion testing, assessment or return-to-play support, visit our concussion testing page or book an appointment online with The Seaside Osteo in McCrae.
This article is general information for Mornington Peninsula families and is not a substitute for individual medical assessment. If you suspect a concussion, seek advice from a qualified health practitioner, and call 000 if there are emergency warning signs.