For those of you who may have missed my recent radio show on “Sports Concussion” with experts from the Brain Injury Association, I want to fill you in on some of the need-to-know details. First, a concussion doesn’t have to come from an impact to the head, it can happen from a whiplash or any sudden jarring of the head/brain. Although concussions are not visible on MRI or imaging, they are very real injuries to the brain, and should be treated as such. Please take a concussion seriously, because failing to diagnose and treat it properly (with rest) can double the length of time it takes to recover.

The latest research is suggesting the best treatment for a concussion is “cognitive rest.” This is just as it sounds, resting your brain while it heals itself. Since the act of seeing requires so much brain activity, limiting your visual input is vital. This means little or no texting, computer use, television, movies, reading or studying. As I learned firsthand when my teenage daughter suffered a traumatic brain injury, the temptations of technology can be hard to resist, but the pressure to return to school-work can be even worse.

If you suspect your child may have suffered a concussion, seek a medical opinion as soon as possible. If a concussion is diagnosed, be sure to advocate for your child when it comes to rest and recovery. Don’t let a coach or teammates pressure your child to return before he or she is cleared as fully recovered and ready to resume play. A second concussion before the first is healed can be life threatening, and at the very least will greatly extend the time your child’s brain will need to heal. Likewise, returning to school-work too soon can extend and exacerbate the brain injury symptoms. Listen to your child, encourage him to be honest about how he is feeling. Be his voice and speak up to teachers, faculty and coaches. Ask for accommodations such as reduced class-time, eliminate busy-work and delay tests until recovery has been confirmed by your doctor. We would never ask a child to run a timed mile in gym class on a broken leg, why would we ask a concussed student to take a Spanish exam?

Dealing with a concussion can be frustrating for everyone involved. Remember, “the Power that made the body heals the body. It happens no other way.” Healing takes time. We can’t rush it. It’s in His hands. Trust and be patient.

For more information on brain injury, check out the Brain Injury Association of NH at www.biausa.org

In Health,

Dr. Stephanie