Childhood Injuries: Concussions
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In my last article I went in another direction away from Neuroplasticity to an unknown area of CBD which stood for Cannabinoid, a compound from Cannabis that has significant medical benefits but without the same side effects. Cannabinoid is a non-psychoactive option for patients looking for relief from inflammation, anxiety, seizures, psychosis and other conditions that inhibit an individual from having a fully healthy life. It is hoped that more scientific research can continue to expand in this area to explore the possibility of CBD being used in the medical field to help patients who are now forced to take drugs that may be toxic to them.
especially for a child.”
-Bennet Omalu
But today I decided to take another direction again. With so much concern over the subject of concussions, I decided that this was an important topic to research and explore. My focus will be on Childhood Injuries: Concussion but I will probably gradually expand it to include adult concussions as well. I hope you will join me in this very important area that are affecting more and more children each day.
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Unfortunately parents in general do not know as much about children’s head injuries as I think they should. In an effort to educate everyone, I will go over some general important facts about concussions. According to Parenting (http://www.parenting.com/toddler/health/childrens-head-injuries-11-things-every-parent-needs-to-know) there are two age groups that are most at risk for head injuries: children 0-4 years of age and teens who are 15-19 years old. The reason for this is because the first group of children 0-4 years do not have good head and neck strength/control and tend to lack full coordination. In the second group of children 15-19 there is a tendencty for this group to participate in sports, which lead to a greater chance for head injury to occur. There is also the fact that these older children also tend to engage in more risk taking activities like riding bicycles, doing skate boarding or driving cars.
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What is a Concussion?
A concussion is described as any injury to the brain that disrupts normal brain function. This disruption can be temporary or permanent. Concussions are usually caused by a blow, a jolt, or a bump to the head or can occur after a fall or hit that jars the brain. According to Nationwide Children’s (http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/parents-guide-to-concussions) this “invisible injury disrupts the brain’s normal physiology which can affect mental stamina and function, causing the brain to work longer and harder to complete even simple tasks.” It went on to say that sometimes a concussion may involve the loss of consciousness but the majority of incidents do not. What must be stressed is that parents have to take these concussions very seriously because they are Brain Injuries!
that talk about concussions and so forth,
it makes me wonder.
I wonder, more importantly than the stroke,
the impact that concussions have had on my life,
particularly as I get older.”
-Steve Largent
Anyone can become injured during a fall, in a car accident, playing sports, playing around like wrestling, slipping in the bathtub, tripping down stairs. It can occur in daily activities and at any time. Concussions are usually not life-threatening but they should be taken seriously. It is important to know that a concussion is different from a contusion. As stated before, a concussion specifically affects the brain where as contusions are bruises on the head which typically resolve within several days.
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What Happens After a Concussion?
According to St. Louis Children’s Hospital (http://www.stlouischildrens.org/articles/wellness/concussion-fact-sheet) less than 10% of the children lose consciousness and most don’t feel well for a while after the concussion incident. Even though they recover quickly, they stressed that every child is different, where some may take a longer time to get better than others. The following lists are the common problems/symptoms that you may notice that are part of the recovery and should go away on its own. But all parents should definitely have their children examined by his/her doctor to see if any medical treatment is needed.
I am not receiving these emails.
Some of them are too painful to read
and there is no cure.
If I save the life of one child
I would count myself successful.”
-Bennet Omalu
Physical Symptom:
- Headaches
- Fatigue, seeming tired, trouble staying awake
- Trouble sleeping
- Lack of energy, slow-moving
- Blurry or double vision
- Sensitivity to noise or light
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded
- Nausea
Cognitive (Thinking):
- Not remembering how the concussion happened
- Becoming easily confused
- Slowness in thinking, seeming "foggy" or "zoned out”
- Difficulty paying attention
- Forgetfulness, memory problems
- More difficulty at school than normal
Emotional & Behavioral
- Becoming easily annoyed or angry, seeming cranky and irritable
- Feeling worried or nervous
- Seeming emotional, crying more easily than normal
- Not seeming like himself/herself, personality changes
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What Should Parents Do If They Think Their Child Has Had a Concussion?
No matter what, if you notice your child having any of the above mentioned symptoms, seek medical attention right away. The medical professionals can run tests to determine how serious the concussion is. It is also very important to make sure when it is safe for your child to return to normal activities and to school.
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Parents Must Be Alert For Symptoms That Worsen
St Louis Children’s Hospital strongly suggests that parents should watch during the first 1-2 days after the injury if any symptoms should get worse. Immediate medical intervention should be obtained. The following is a list for signs to watch closely for:
- Loses consciousness
- Is extremely sleepy or drowsy and can’t be awakened
- Vomits repeatedly
- Gets a headache that worsens, lasts for a long time, or is severe
- Has weakness, numbness, trouble walking, or decreased coordination
- Has difficulty recognizing familiar people
- Is very confused
- Has trouble talking or slurred speech
- Has a seizure (arms or legs shake uncontrollably)
- Cries nonstop and cannot be comforted
- Has any other sudden or unusual change in thinking or behavior
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Concussion Recovery
While the child is out of school, parents should work with the teachers and other school personnel to inform them of the child’s injury so that they will be aware of the reason for the absence of the child from school. Communication should be clear between all parties to minimize any added stress to the child. Teachers can always later provide class lesson plans and homework when the child’s condition improves.
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According to Nationwide Children’s (http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/parents-guide-to-concussions) a concussion impacts the functioning of the brain, so resting the brain should be encouraged as much as possible to facilitate the recovery process. Any activities that make the brain work hard to process information should be avoided. The following list contain activities that should be restricted or limited to help the recovery process:
- Computer work/Internet use
- Video games
- Television
- Text messaging/cell phone use
- Bright lights, such as strobe lights at school dances
- Listening to loud music or music through headphones
- Loud noises
- Parties, concerts, pep rallies, etc.
- Driving
- Work
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Some days the child’s symptoms may be more pronounced so certain activities should be limited. Gradually when symptoms improve, gradually increase the activities he/she does. In a lot of cases, there will be good days and bad days. That is a normal part of the recovery process.
I will continue some other information regarding the recovery process in my next article. The above information is just a general guide for parents to know about Concussions. It is highly advised that they discuss all concerns with the child’s doctor. He will be the best one to know when it is safe for your child to return to school and advise you on what precautions you need to take.
Thank-you for reading my article on Childhood Injuries: Concussions If you would like to follow me, please check HERE
These are my previous articles. if you are interested in reading it:
Neuroplasticity: Hope For People With Anxiety?
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/neuroplasticity-hope-for-people-with-anxiety
Neuroplasticity: How to deal with Anxiety Disorders Like Panic Attacks
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/neuroplasticity-how-to-deal-with-anxiety-disorders-like-panic-attacks
Neuroplasticity: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/neuroplasticity-cognitive-behavior-therapy-cbt
Neuroplasticity: Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/neuroplasticity-mindfulness-based-cognitive-therapy
Neuroplasticity: Self-Directed Neuroplasticity Exercises
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/neuroplasticity-self-directed-neuroplasticity-exercises
Neuroplasticity: Music & Music Therapy
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/neuroplasticity-music-and-music-therapy
Neuroplasticity: Meditation and Anxiety
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/neuroplasticity-meditation-and-anxiety
Neuroplasticity: Brainwave Entrainment
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/neuroplasticity-brainwave-entrainment
Anxiety and CBD: An Introduction to Cannabinoid
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/anxiety-and-cbd-an-introduction-to-cannabinoid
Thank you for this @cabbagepatch. Having a concussion is serious business, especially for kids.
After 5 car accidents, I can say that I had my share of concussions. My skull is full of dents and bumps 😔.
@szuri I am so sorry you had to suffer five car accidents. Multiple concussions are not good if you keep getting them. Hopefully you healed before the following concussions. Please take care. And you are right it is very bad for kids because they are just starting life and their brains are very fragile. Thank-you for your support and comments. It is greatly appreciated!
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All injuries of this type are quite serious, for both adults and children. It can take literally decades for the brain to become "righted" (back into position.) The only real remedy is a very healthful lifestyle, committing to making healing a priority. Eventually we can fully recover from all types of traumas and restore optimal functioning to our brain and consciousness in general. The "pushing down" type of meditation is very helpful for speeding up the process and sending signals that "we are ready" to accelerate restoration. Thanks for another very informative article @cabbagepatch! Have a great day.
@d-pend, thank-you for your much appreciated comments and support. Yes, concussions and head injuries are really bad and it does take time to heal if at all. Fortunately they are making great gains in neurology research via neuroplasticity. It is very exciting because music therapy, meditation, brainwave entrainment techniques are being used to facilitate the neuro circuits in the brain. With a lot of hard work on the individual, they can form connections to new parts of the brain. Can you imagine how wonderful if people could start using more of their unused brains. That is why I am doing a lot of writing. They say this is good as you grow older! And I am older but young at heart!!! Have a great day d-pend!!!
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My son fell down from the chair when he was two years old and hit his head.I took him to the hospital in a hurry, but I was told the doctor not to worry too much.I could have observed my son well if I had read this post before that:D
Thank you cabbagepatch for an esxcellent post. You are really making a great effort of all your subjects. It is hard work and just want to thank you for your wonderful post.
Thank-you @bigbear. You are always so encouraging and positive. I enjoy researching and helping to educate so I guess that is what is driving me. I hope you are having a great weekend!!!
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