Concussion Information for Families
Provided by Suzanne Rosenberg, MD, Phone 303-881-3739<br/><br/>Definition of Concussion: <br/>A concussion is any injury to the head caused by trauma that results in an alteration in mental status or change in brain function. There does not need to be a loss of consciousness. The injury could be caused by acceleration or rotation of the head and does not necessarily require direct a direct hit. For example, whiplash may cause concussion. Because this is an injury to the function and not the structure of the brain you will not see anything on CT scan or other types of x-rays. Most concussions go away on their own after a period of rest. Sometimes, however, more treatment and medications are required.<br/><br/>Symptoms of Concussion may include:<br/>Headaches <br/>Feeling slowed down <br/>Feeling more emotional <br/>Dizziness<br/>Pressure sensation in head<br/>Feeling �??in a fog�?? <br/>Sound sensitivity <br/>Confusion<br/>Difficulty concentrating <br/>Trouble falling asleep <br/>Light sensitivity <br/>Drowsiness <br/>Fatigue or low energy <br/>Difficulty remembering <br/>Blurred vision <br/>Sadness <br/>Nausea or vomiting <br/>Nervous or anxious <br/>Balance problems <br/>Irritability <br/> <br/>How to treat a concussion: It is very important to recognize that your child has had a concussion and to understand how important it is to take care of the brain, just like you would take care of any other injured part. First of all, the brain requires rest after a concussion. People used to say you should keep a child awake after he or she hits her head. However, this is generally not true. You certainly want to be sure that you are able to wake up your child, but once he or she has been seen by a doctor, then it is important to let them sleep if they are tired and to be sure that they are getting enough rest. This is the best way to treat concussions, and works for most children. This means physical rest from sports and other activities, but also means cognitive rest. Your child may need to miss school or have modifications in the classroom. He or she should also take a break from reading and texting. Television, for some children with concussions, is problematic and causes more symptoms. Sometimes, however, when a child has to stop doing everything else, low volume television in a partly darkened room can be relaxing and help pass the time. You will be instructed on how to help your child get back to his or her normal physical and cognitive activities. Every day we can add a little bit more activity, as long as we don�??t cause the symptoms to return. An example of the steps we use is outlined below. If you find that going through these steps is causing symptoms, it is important that you let your doctor know, or that you follow up with the specialist that your doctor has recommended.<br/><br/>A summary of the steps to return to sports and school is as follows: <br/><br/>Day after symptoms gone: <br/>Add Light aerobic exercise <br/>Begin Half day of school<br/><br/>If no symptoms, next day: <br/>Moderate exercise at home <br/>Full day of school with rest period<br/><br/>If no symptoms, next day: <br/>Supervised play for children; <br/>May resume normal school day<br/>More challenging sports as tolerated<br/><br/>If no symptoms, next day: <br/>Non-contact sports <br/>Regular school day with gym class when cleared<br/><br/>If no symptoms, next day: <br/>Resume all sport activities once cleared<br/><br/>It is important that your child be given the time to let his or her brain heal completely so that there are no long term problems. If your child has had more than one concussion or is not recovering from this concussion it is important to discuss this with your doctor. <br/><br/>This information is provided by Dr. Suzanne Rosenberg, Pediatrician and Physiatrist, specializing in treating children with concussions and other conditions. If you would like further information or would like to consult with Dr. Rosenberg, she can be reached at 303-881-3739.<br/> <br/>
