What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Post-Concussion Symptoms - Triage

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for post-concussion symptoms in children, you will usually receive guidance on how to care for your child at home and when to seek further help. The healthcare provider will review symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating and may suggest rest, gradual return to activities, and monitoring for changes. Telemedicine helps identify if symptoms are mild and manageable or if urgent in-person care is needed. Follow-up visits may be recommended to track recovery. It is important to watch for warning signs such as worsening headaches, repeated vomiting, or confusion, which require immediate medical attention. While telemedicine is a helpful tool for initial evaluation and advice, it cannot replace a full physical exam or imaging tests that might be needed in some cases. Always keep a clear record of symptoms and questions to discuss during your visit. This approach helps ensure your child’s safe recovery after a concussion.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening headache that does not improve with rest or medication
• Repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
• Confusion, difficulty waking up, or unusual behavior changes

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and triage
• Providing guidance on rest and gradual return to activities
• Monitoring symptom progression through follow-up visits
• Answering questions about concussion care and safety

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical neurological examinations
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests such as CT or MRI
• Managing severe or worsening symptoms requiring emergency care
• Diagnosing complicated brain injuries or other serious conditions

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will summarize their assessment and provide advice on managing your child's symptoms at home. This often includes recommendations for rest, avoiding strenuous activities, and monitoring for any changes. You may receive instructions on how to gradually return to normal activities, such as school and sports, depending on your child's progress.

Monitoring Symptoms at Home

It is important to keep track of your child's symptoms daily. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Use a symptom diary if possible. If symptoms improve steadily, the provider may suggest continuing current care. However, if symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, you should seek further medical evaluation.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Certain symptoms require immediate in-person medical attention. These include:

If any of these occur, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Follow-Up Care and Appointments

Your healthcare provider may recommend follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits to reassess your child's recovery. These visits help ensure symptoms are improving and guide safe return to normal activities. If symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, referral to specialists such as neurologists or concussion clinics may be advised.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Post-Concussion Care

Telemedicine is useful for initial symptom assessment and guidance but cannot perform physical exams or imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs. If your child's symptoms suggest a more serious injury, an in-person evaluation will be necessary. Telemedicine cannot replace emergency care in urgent situations.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down all symptoms your child is experiencing, including when they started and how severe they are
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss during the visit
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection for the telemedicine visit
• Have a family member or caregiver present to help observe and report symptoms if needed
• Have your child's medical history and any recent injury details ready to share

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on rest and activity restrictions
• Monitor your child's symptoms daily and keep a symptom diary
• Avoid activities that could cause another head injury until cleared by a provider
• Schedule and attend any recommended follow-up visits
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms develop

FAQs

How soon after a concussion should I schedule a telemedicine visit?

You should schedule a telemedicine visit as soon as possible after your child shows symptoms of a concussion or head injury, especially if you are unsure about the severity. Early evaluation helps guide safe care and recovery.

Can my child go back to school right away after a concussion?

Usually, children need some time to rest before returning to school. Your healthcare provider will advise when it is safe to resume school activities, often starting with shorter days or lighter workloads.

What activities should my child avoid after a concussion?

Your child should avoid physical activities like sports, running, or heavy exercise until cleared by a healthcare provider. Also, limit screen time and activities that require intense concentration initially.

What if my child's symptoms do not improve?

If symptoms persist or worsen over several days or weeks, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend in-person visits or specialist referrals.

Is telemedicine safe for managing post-concussion symptoms in children?

Telemedicine is a safe and effective way to assess and guide care for mild to moderate post-concussion symptoms. However, it cannot replace emergency care or detailed physical exams when needed.

Sources

1. Concussion in Children and Adolescents — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Post-Concussion Syndrome — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Management of Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation or emergency care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their condition, seek immediate medical attention.