Concussion in Kids: What Every Arizona Parent and Coach Should Know

By Dr. Tamara Zach MD — May 01, 2026

Why Concussion Is a Bigger Deal for Kids Than Most People Realize

Every Friday night under the Arizona stadium lights, every Saturday morning soccer match, every after-school skateboard session — youth sports and outdoor activity are woven into the fabric of life here in the Valley. But with that activity comes risk, and one of the most commonly misunderstood risks is concussion. As a pediatric neurologist serving the Phoenix community, Dr. Tamara Zach MD sees firsthand how often concussions in children are minimized, mismanaged, or simply missed. This guide is for every Arizona parent, coach, and athletic trainer who wants to do better for the kids in their care.

What Exactly Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head — or even a hit to the body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. Despite being labeled "mild," concussions are genuine brain injuries. The developing brain of a child or teenager is particularly vulnerable because it has not yet reached full maturity. This means the consequences of a poorly managed concussion can be longer-lasting and more disruptive for a 10-year-old than they might be for an adult in the same situation.

In Arizona, youth sports participation is high year-round thanks to our climate, which means pediatric concussion in Phoenix is not a rare event. Football, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, cycling, and even recreational swimming accidents all contribute to concussion cases seen in practices like Rose Medical Pavilion every season.

Recognizing Child Concussion Symptoms

One of the most important skills a parent or coach can develop is knowing what to look for. Concussion does not always involve a loss of consciousness — in fact, most concussions do not. Child concussion symptoms in Arizona can appear immediately or develop over the following hours or days.

Physical Symptoms

• Headache or pressure in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Blurry or double vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling sluggish or fatigued

Cognitive and Behavioral Symptoms

• Confusion, fogginess, or difficulty concentrating
• Memory gaps around the event
• Slowed reaction time or speech
• Irritability, sadness, or unusual emotional responses
• Changes in sleep — sleeping more than usual or difficulty falling asleep

If your child shows any of these signs after a head impact, remove them from play immediately. The rule is simple: when in doubt, sit it out. Never allow a child to return to activity the same day a concussion is suspected.

A Note on Arizona Heat

Here in the Phoenix metro area, our extreme summer heat adds an important layer of complexity. Symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and disorientation can overlap significantly between heat exhaustion and concussion. If your child sustains a head impact during outdoor activity in high temperatures, it is critical to evaluate for both conditions. Do not assume that rest and hydration alone are enough — have the child assessed by a medical professional who can differentiate between the two.

Youth Sports Concussion Management: The Right Steps to Take

Proper youth sports concussion management in Arizona follows established medical and legal guidelines. Arizona state law (A.R.S. § 15-341) requires that student athletes suspected of sustaining a concussion be removed from practice or competition and cleared by a licensed health care professional before returning to play. Here is what the process should look like:

1. Remove from play immediately — Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on the sideline.
2. Seek medical evaluation — A physician, ideally a specialist in pediatric concussion care, should assess the child, often within 24 to 48 hours of injury.
3. Rest — but the right kind — Complete rest for the first 24 to 48 hours is appropriate, but prolonged, strict rest beyond that point has not been shown to speed recovery. Light activity that does not worsen symptoms can often begin within a few days.
4. Academic accommodations — Schools should be notified. Children may need reduced screen time, shorter school days, extended deadlines, or a quiet testing environment while recovering.
5. Follow a graduated return-to-play protocol — Return to full activity should happen in stages over at least a week, with each stage only advancing if the child remains symptom-free.
6. Specialist follow-up if symptoms persist — If symptoms last longer than two to four weeks, a referral to a pediatric neurologist is strongly recommended.

When Should You See a Pediatric Neurologist?

Most concussions resolve within a few weeks with appropriate management. However, some children develop post-concussion syndrome, in which symptoms linger for months. Others experience complications that require neurological expertise to properly evaluate and treat. You should seek specialist evaluation promptly if your child experiences:

• Symptoms that are worsening rather than improving
• Persistent or severe headaches that do not respond to simple measures — this may also warrant evaluation for pediatric headaches more broadly
• Seizure activity or loss of consciousness at any point — a concern that may require pediatric EEG testing to assess brain activity
• Significant cognitive, emotional, or behavioral changes
• A history of multiple prior concussions

Dr. Tamara Zach MD brings specialized training in pediatric neurology to the evaluation and management of concussion at Rose Medical Pavilion. Using a thorough, individualized approach, Dr. Zach assesses each child's neurological status, reviews prior history, and works collaboratively with families, schools, and athletic programs to support a safe and full recovery.

Resources for Arizona Families

Arizona families have access to several important support systems. AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program, covers concussion-related care for eligible children, including specialist visits and diagnostic testing. Families with younger children who experience developmental concerns following a brain injury may also be able to access the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) for coordinated support services. Your child's pediatrician or a specialist at Rose Medical Pavilion can help connect you with these resources.

Take Concussion Seriously — Your Child's Brain Depends on It

Concussion is not a rite of passage. It is a brain injury, and in children, it deserves prompt attention, expert evaluation, and careful management. Whether your child plays competitive football in Scottsdale, club soccer in Chandler, or rides bikes in your Tempe neighborhood, knowing the signs of concussion and taking them seriously is one of the most important things you can do as a parent or coach.

If your child has experienced a head injury or is showing signs of post-concussion syndrome, the team at Rose Medical Pavilion is here to help. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Tamara Zach MD to receive compassionate, expert pediatric concussion care right here in Phoenix.