Back-To-School after Concussion – A Parents’ Guide
Children and teens are prone to injuries, especially during play. They may sustain a concussion following severe physical impact to the head. Even if all seems well, it may be advised to get your child immediate medical help after an accident to diagnose a concussion in a timely manner.
Common Symptoms Associated with Concussions
The concussion does not manifest physically. Here are some of the symptoms you can use to identify a concussion. If any or all of these symptoms prevail, seek immediate medical attention for the child in order to limit damage.
- Appears confused, dazed, unintelligible, or incapable of recalling past events.
- Loses consciousness, memory, cognition, and/or the ability to coordinate.
- Exhibits sudden changes in mood, behavior and preferences, usually pointing towards an underlying problem.
- Reflexes are unusually slowed or elaborate.
- Vomits or complains about severe headache and nausea.
- Sleeps involuntarily and unusually.
- Faces problems balancing, seeing clearly or following instructions.
Post-Concussion Care Guidelines
- If your child or teen has sustained a concussion, it is imperative for you not to push him/her for personal or academic goals. Complete rest is the key to recovery. If the affected child is forced to return to the game before the medical practitioner declares him/her okay, s/he is at a risk of augmenting the damage to the brain, which may result in severe consequences.
- Besides this, you should facilitate the child to relax, giving him/her time to heal. Keep them engaged in low-intensity activities. If they complain about recurring symptoms, consult the medical practitioner for advice. The road to recovery is gradual and long; don’t rush through it. A little time of school is better than permanent disabilities or handicap!
- Also, make sure the child understands his/her condition and adapts to the needs accordingly. Read and discuss information about concussions and the care needed to reach complete recovery. Consult the doctor regularly for updates on the child’s recovery. Encourage the child to speak in order to clarify doubts. Everyone needs to be on the same page in order to move together towards holistic healing.
- Support the child as s/he struggles to get back with his/her school routine. Limit the time spent on strenuous mental activities. Also, reduce physical exertion, at least during the treatment phase. Take the teachers and facilitators into confidence about the child’s injury, and ask them not to pressurize the affected child. Each and every bit of care goes a long way in relieving stress while ensuring speedy recovery.
For more information about Traumatic Brain Injuries including concussions