Concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), affect thousands of high school athletes each year, with up to 20% of athletes in contact sports, such as football, soccer, and lacrosse, suffering a concussion annually(Nationwide Children’s) (UPMC | Life Changing Medicine). These injuries can have a significant impact on both the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of your child. It’s important for parents to understand what to look for and how to support their child’s recovery and return to sports
Recognizing Concussion Symptoms
After a concussion, your child may exhibit a variety of symptoms. These symptoms often vary in severity and can last for days, weeks, or even months. Here’s a helpful mnemonic device to remember key signs of a concussion:
H.E.A.D.S.
- Headache: Throbbing, pressure, most common symptom
- Emotional changes: Mood swings, anxiety, depression, or irritability
- Attention issues: Difficulty focusing or trouble with memory and cognitive tasks
- Dizziness: Balance problems or lightheadedness
- Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light, noise, or visual stimuli
If any of these symptoms worsen or persist over time, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider.
Addressing Emotional Concerns
Concussions can significantly impact your child’s emotional health. Feelings of frustration, sadness, or anxiety are common. They may worry about losing their spot on the team or fear missing out on time with friends. To support your child, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication, letting them express their feelings and concerns. If emotional symptoms persist, counseling or therapy may be beneficial.
School Considerations
Returning to school after a concussion may be challenging for your child, so collaborating with teachers and school administrators is important. Cognitive fatigue, or “mental fog,” may hinder your child’s performance, so here are a few steps to consider:
R.E.S.T.
- Reduce workload: Lessen assignments and give extra time for tests or homework
- Educate teachers: Inform them about your child’s condition so they can offer accommodations
- Schedule breaks: Allow for frequent breaks during school hours to avoid overstimulation
- Track progress: Keep an eye on your child’s cognitive improvements and adjust their schedule accordingly
Approach to Concussion Recovery
Treatment for concussions should focus on a balanced approach that treats each child as an individual. The latest research suggests a mix of rest and gradual reintroduction of activities after the first 48 hours or sooner if activity is tolerated. During the initial rest period, children should avoid activities that could trigger symptoms, such as screen time or vigorous physical activities. Make sure they get plenty of sleep, which is crucial for brain recovery.
After the 48-hour period, gradually increase activities, but avoid those that cause any resurgence of symptoms. Experts no longer recommend the outdated practice of waking up a concussed child every hour. Instead, allowing uninterrupted sleep is essential for healing. Slowly returning to regular physical and mental activities, including school, should be based on tolerance, paying close attention to how the child feels.
It is also important to balance rest with rehabilitation therapies, like physical or vision therapy, if symptoms persist. These personalized treatments, paired with common-sense monitoring of progress, are key to a child’s full recovery. (CDC)
Throughout your child’s concussion recovery, holistic care is essential. You should collaborate with healthcare professionals and teachers to monitor their progress, adjust daily routines and schoolwork as needed. Pay close attention to your child’s emotional well-being, offering support and understanding throughout the recovery process. Ensuring a healthy diet and adequate hydration are vital, as both significantly influence the brain’s healing. By focusing on physical, emotional, and cognitive recovery, you can help your child get back to the activities they love.