You’re about to learn what every parent wishes they knew — before concussion symptoms changed everything.
The Hit You Never See Coming
It can happen in one second.
A routine football practice. A fall on the field. A head bump that doesn’t seem too bad.
Your child shakes it off. Keeps playing.
But days later, something’s off.
They’re moody. Tired. Forgetting things. Not themselves.
Is it stress? Hormones? Or is it something deeper?
What if it’s a concussion? What if the brain is trying to speak — and we’re not listening?
This post breaks down:
- The early signs and symptoms of concussion
- How even small hits can lead to big problems
- And why getting a qEEG brain baseline before the season starts could help protect your child from long-term damage — or even save their life
What Is a Brain Baseline?
A brain baseline uses a tool called a qEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram). It’s a painless, non-invasive test that measures how the brain is working — not just how it looks.
While an MRI shows the brain’s structure, a qEEG shows its function — the actual brainwaves that control mood, memory, focus, sleep and more.
Think of it like a GPS for your child’s brain. If something goes off course after a hit, we’ll know exactly where and how to help them get back on track.
What a qEEG Really Tells Us (in Parent Terms)
When your child takes a qEEG, we’re not just seeing squiggly lines — we’re mapping how different parts of their brain are functioning. Are they working too hard? Not hard enough? Out of sync?
We look at five major brainwave types: Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Each one plays a role in things like sleep, focus, processing and emotional regulation.
- Too much Theta in the wrong spot? They may seem spacey, struggle in school or have trouble remembering things.
- Elevated Beta? That’s often linked with anxiety or overthinking.
- Low Alpha? It may show up as trouble staying calm or centered.
We also assign something called a Z-score, which shows how far your child’s brain activity is from the average for kids their age.
Green means good.
Red or dark blue means an area may be out of balance.
The best part? It’s entirely objective. There’s no guesswork. Just data — and a roadmap for what’s going on inside your child’s head.
Why a Baseline Helps Explain School, Behavior & Performance
Let’s say your child is struggling in school. Or they’re suddenly anxious, angry or forgetful.
Is it puberty? Stress? Or did that hit they took last season knock something loose — literally?
A brain baseline gives us a comparison. If they had a qEEG when they were doing well and a new one now shows major changes in the frontal or temporal lobes, we know the issue is neurological — not behavioral.
It can help explain:
- Sudden mood swings or emotional outbursts
- Decline in grades or focus
- Sleep changes or chronic fatigue
- Reactions to bright lights or loud noises
And it also gives you — the parent — peace of mind. You’ll finally have answers that aren’t just speculation.
Parent FAQs About qEEG Brain Mapping
Q: Is a qEEG safe? Yes. It’s completely non-invasive. Nothing enters your child’s body — we’re just recording the brain’s electrical signals like a heart EKG.
Q: What does the cap do? The cap has small sensors (electrodes) that read brainwave activity. We use gel — not glue — and it takes about 20–30 minutes.
Q: Can a qEEG diagnose a concussion? Not exactly — but it can reveal brain changes consistent with concussion or head trauma. It shows functional disruptions that CT or MRI can miss.
Q: How often should a child get a qEEG? We recommend once before the sports season as a baseline, and again after any suspected head injury. For kids recovering from concussion, a follow-up every 4–6 weeks can track progress.
Q: Does it hurt? Not at all. Most kids say it feels like getting a swim cap fitted.
Repetitive Head Hits: Why Even Small Blows Matter
According to the CDC, youth athletes aged 5–18 account for 70% of sports- and recreation-related concussions seen in the ER each year. (Source) You don’t need a knockout blow to have a brain injury.
Studies show that repetitive head hits (RHH) — even the minor ones — can lead to real, lasting damage. These sub-concussive hits are especially dangerous in youth sports because they add up silently.
Research from the Journal of Neurotrauma and Boston University shows that:
- High school football players can take hundreds of head hits in a single season.
- Even without symptoms, these hits change brain function and increase the risk of long-term cognitive issues.
- Athletes exposed to RHH show changes in brain structure and connectivity — even if they’ve never had a diagnosed concussion.
Imagine tapping a glass with a spoon over and over. It won’t break right away — but eventually, it shatters.
That’s the risk we’re trying to prevent.
10 Reasons a Brain Baseline Could Save a Life
Research shows that baseline testing improves outcomes: Athletes with access to pre-injury baseline testing returned to play 3–5 days sooner and with fewer symptoms on average. (Source)
- Every Brain Is Unique
Without a baseline, we’re guessing what’s normal for your child. Some kids naturally have faster or slower brainwave activity. A baseline sets a personalized benchmark. - Catches Subtle Problems Doctors Can’t See
MRIs and CTs can miss functional issues — like slowed reaction time or disrupted focus. qEEG shows the brain’s actual activity. - Tracks Real Healing, Not Just Symptoms
Kids often say they feel “fine” when they’re not. A qEEG helps doctors see if the brain is actually recovered. - Supports Faster, Safer Return-to-Play Decisions
Instead of relying on symptoms alone, teams and parents can use brain data to make smart choices about when it’s safe to return. - Identifies Mental Health Risks Early
Changes in brainwaves can point to rising stress, anxiety, depression or even suicidal thoughts — before a child says a word. - Reveals Hidden Damage from Repetitive Hits
Even without a diagnosed concussion, a child may have cumulative damage. A baseline makes those patterns visible. - Guides Personalized Care Plans
With brain mapping, recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. We can design the right therapy based on your child’s unique brain pattern. - Provides Evidence for Schools and Coaches
If your child needs academic accommodations or more time to recover, a qEEG offers scientific support. - Builds Trust Across Teams and Families
Parents, coaches, doctors — everyone can rally around the same data to protect the player’s future. - Offers Peace of Mind
It’s not just about prevention — it’s about knowing you’ve done everything possible to protect your child’s brain.
Your Child’s Brain Deserves More Than a Guess
Each year, over 3.8 million sports-related concussions are reported in the U.S. — and experts believe many more go undiagnosed.
The truth is, not every hit results in a blackout. Many don’t even cause symptoms right away. But under the surface, damage can be done.
And when a young brain is still growing, even small injuries can lead to long-term challenges — with mood, memory, focus, even identity.
qEEG brain mapping gives us what traditional scans cannot:
- A live snapshot of how the brain is actually functioning
- A guide to help restore what’s off before it becomes permanent
- A tool to protect not just an athlete, but a child with hopes, goals and a future
Jared’s Story
Jared Crippen was a popular 16-year-old — a star wrestler and high school lacrosse player. In March 2020, he suffered a concussion during a game. Two weeks later, he returned to the field, but something had changed. Jared became moody, started skipping class, and withdrew emotionally. A month after the concussion, Jared took his own life. His family had no idea just how much his brain was struggling.
Mac’s Story
Mac Parkman was a standout multi-sport athlete with dreams of playing at the highest level. He took hit after hit across football, wrestling and lacrosse — and kept going. But behind the trophies was a teenager suffering from undiagnosed RHI (repetitive head injury) trauma. Mac tragically took his life in 2020. His family founded The Mac Parkman Foundation to raise awareness about the hidden dangers of sports-related brain trauma. They also published a book to help parents navigate youth sports and protect their children’s brains: Youth Sports: What Every Parent Should Know.
Jared. Mac. And too many others.
Their stories remind us that this isn’t just about concussions. It’s about catching what’s been missed, listening to what the brain is saying, and never assuming they’re “just being dramatic.”
If your child plays sports — especially football, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling or cheer — consider a preseason qEEG baseline.
It’s simple. It’s safe. And it could explain a world of confusion if something ever goes wrong.
Because when we know the brain, we protect the child.
But What If It’s Already Happened? Here’s What to Do Next.
If a Concussion Happens: What to Do and How to Protect the Brain
Even with precautions, concussions can happen. If your child experiences a head hit — even if they seem fine — here’s what to do:
Find a Brain Treatment Center that utilizes:
- Video Oculography (VOG)/Nystagmography – This measures how the eyes move, helping detect balance and coordination problems caused by brain disruption. Even small issues in eye tracking can be early signs of a concussion.
- Pupillometry Testing – This measures how the pupils respond to light, which can indicate neurological stress or brainstem dysfunction after a head injury.
- Computerized Posturography – A balance test that checks how the body and brain are working together. After a concussion, balance can be one of the first systems to go off.
These tools are commonly used in professional sports to assess whether a concussion has occurred — and they’re now available in advanced concussion clinics like Genesis Brain Institute.
Once you’ve taken that first step, here are five things every parent should do immediately after a suspected concussion:
- Pull them from play immediately
Second-impact syndrome can lead to rapid brain swelling and severe, sometimes fatal consequences if another concussion occurs before healing is complete. (Source) - Watch closely over the next 24–72 hours
Symptoms may be delayed. Keep an eye on sleep, mood, memory, balance and behavior. - Avoid screens and overstimulation
Give the brain time to rest. No phones, video games or loud environments. - Track changes
Keep a journal of symptoms and note when they appear, worsen or improve. - Schedule a qEEG brain scan
Don’t rely on guesswork. A qEEG can identify real functional changes and guide a safe return to school and sports.
Signs and Symptoms of Concussion in Children
Concussions can affect children differently than adults — and symptoms might not show up right away. Here’s what to watch for in the hours and days following a hit:
Physical Symptoms:
Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
Nausea or vomiting
Balance problems or dizziness
Blurry or double vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Feeling tired or sluggish
Mental & Cognitive Symptoms:
Difficulty concentrating
Confusion or appearing dazed
Memory problems (especially around the event)
Feeling mentally “foggy” or slow
Trouble answering questions or following directions
Emotional & Behavioral Symptoms:
Irritability or unusual mood swings
Sadness or crying for no reason
Anxiety or nervousness
Seeming withdrawn or not like themselves
Sleep Changes:
Sleeping more or less than usual
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Daytime drowsiness
If your child shows any of these symptoms, take them seriously — even if they seem mild at first.
For an easy, parent-friendly tool, visit our quiz to see if you should get your child checked at a brain treatment center:
➡️ Post-Concussion Symptom Checklist (Modified from Rivermead)
This quiz can help parents and children track how they’re feeling — and whether it’s time to take action.
Don’t rely on symptoms alone. Trust your instincts — and when in doubt, get a qEEG brain scan to know exactly what’s going on beneath the surface.
Brain-Smart Safety Tips for Families & Teams
Want to protect your child’s brain year-round? Here are proactive ways to support recovery and resilience:
Fuel with brain-friendly foods
- Omega-3s (found in salmon, flaxseed, walnuts)
- Antioxidants (blueberries, leafy greens)
- Hydration (dehydration worsens symptoms)
Sleep is medicine
Deep, consistent sleep helps repair damaged brain tissue.
Promote balance — not just toughness
Praise kids for reporting symptoms, not pushing through them.
Ask about protective drills
Coaches should be teaching heads-up tackling, fall safety and limiting full-contact practices.
Involve the whole support system
Teachers, counselors, and friends should be aware of the signs of post-concussion syndrome so changes don’t go unnoticed.
Recheck the brain after healing
A post-recovery qEEG helps confirm when your child is truly ready — not just symptom-free, but neurologically balanced.
Final Thoughts: Protect More Than the Player — Protect Their Future
Concussions don’t always knock kids out. Sometimes, they just knock things loose — focus, sleep, mood, memory — and no one notices until it’s too late.
That’s why a brain baseline before the first hit is so important.
Here’s what we covered:
Concussion symptoms can be delayed, subtle, and easy to miss
Even small hits — over time — can change how the brain functions
Mental health challenges like depression and anxiety can follow head injuries
A qEEG brain baseline gives you real answers, not just opinions
Without a baseline, you may never know what changed — or how to help them heal
At Genesis Brain Institute, we don’t wait for things to get worse. We map the brain early — so when something feels off, we have the clarity to act fast and smart.
If your child plays football, cheer, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling — any sport where head impact is possible — don’t wait until symptoms appear.
Do the test. Before the season. Before the hit.
Because once concussion symptoms show up… the window to know what’s normal may already be closed.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a licensed healthcare provider. Genesis Brain Institute is a Brain Treatment Center in Tampa offering non-pharmaceutical solutions that bring clarity, restore function, and offer real hope for those who feel lost, stuck, or simply want more from life.
