Guest Blog: My Child Has Just Been Diagnosed with a Concussion, What Can I Expect?
Did you know the incidence of pediatric and young adolescent concussions in the United States is on the rise? According to one study, there was a 60% increase in the incidence of adolescent concussions from 2007 to 2014. The good news is, according to the Centers of Disease and Control, 70 to 80% of children with mild traumatic brain injuries demonstrate functional recovery in 1-3 months.
So you may be asking, what exactly is a concussion? A concussion is a form of a mild traumatic brain injury that results from direct or indirect forces to the head causing biochemical changes in the brain. Common symptoms your child may experience after a concussion include:
Headaches
Dizziness
Sleep disturbances (sleeping too much or sleeping too little)
Feeling dazed
Memory/cognitive dysfunction
Light and noise sensitivity
Changes in mood
As a part of your child’s recovery progress, the multi-disciplinary team may include professionals such as physicians, school officials, family members, physical therapists, neuropsychologists and speech language pathologists. Each healthcare provider will be able to develop a plan of care specifically to your child’s needs.
Typically during the first few days after a concussion, your child will be instructed to rest (physically and cognitively) with a gradual return to school and recreational activities guided by a healthcare professional in the weeks to follow. Pending return to sports, the “return to play” protocol may be completed by a physical therapist. It is important to remove your child from sports if a concussion is suspected as further damage can result while the brain is still healing.
If you have concerns regarding your child’s recovery following a concussion, speak to their physician. We encourage you to ask about available resources including physical therapy and speech therapy. If you have questions regarding concussion recovery, please visit our website at www.collaborativecorner.org or reach out to Allyson Demetriadis, PT, DPT at Allyson.Demetriadis@AdventHealth.com
Allyson Demetriadis, PT, DPT
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Allyson.Demetriadis@AdventHealth.com
Resources:
Caring for Your Child's Concussion
Rise of Concussions in Adolescent Population
Pediatric TBI Treatment and Recommendations