According to the CDC, Center for Disease Control, a concussion is a brain injury that significantly alters the way the brain normally functions. A concussion can occur after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness. If your child sustains a head injury, be alert for symptoms of a concussion. Symptoms of a concussion may not be present immediately but may occur hours or days after the injury occurred.
Some signs observed by Parents:
Appears dazed or confused
Is confused about events
Answers questions slowly
Shows personality changes
Forgets class assignments
Symptoms that may be reported by Child:
Difficulty concentrating
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Blurry or double vision
Grades drop in school Sleeping more or less than usual
Does not “ feel right”
If your child has one or more of these signs or symptoms of a concussion, seek medical attention immediately. Concussions can have a more serious effect on a young developing brain and need to be addressed. The health care provider can evaluate how serious the concussion is and recommend the best management that will help your child achieve the quickest recovery both physically and academically.
Should you seek medical care, please have your child's physician provide you with a return to school protocol.
The concussed brain has to work longer and harder to complete simple tasks and tires very easily. Make sure that when your child is recovering from a concussion, rest breaks are taken, and your child avoids physical activity, texting, watching television, playing video games and using the computer.
If your child has headaches as a result of the concussion, discuss headache management with the health care provider. Also completing a headache diary is very helpful. A headache diary should include when the headache occurred, the duration of the headache and what activities may have attributed to the headache such as lack of sleep, using the computer or physical activity. Bring the headache diary to the health care provider when your child has the follow- up concussion appointment.
Your child’s school principal and nurse should be notified that your child has suffered a concussion. Your child should not participate in physical education class, sports or recess until a health care provider experienced in evaluating for concussion says it’s okay to return to these activities. The health care provider will work with the school to develop educational strategies to ensure the most comfortable environment for your child’s learning and the most effective recovery from the concussion.