Concussions

Any head injury has the potential to be a concussion.  Timely recognition and appropriate treatment of a concussion is essential in preventing long-term problems.  

Most people with a concussion recover quickly and without issue.  However, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion and seek appropriate medical attention so that a care plan can be formulated for recovery.

Some symptoms may be apparent immediately, and some may not appear for a few days.  If your child is experiencing any of the above symptoms after a head injury, please call us to make an appointment to be evaluated.

Brain Rest 

According to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, initial concussion treatment is rest.  Physical and mental rest allows the brain to heal.  If your child has a concussion, it is essential that s/he not participate in activities that will exert brain and/or body.  These activities may include: 

  • Activities that could cause another head injury (such as sports, gym class, riding a bike, etc.)

  • Other physical activities that cause a sustained increase in your child’s heart rate and make her symptoms worse (such as any activity that causes her to break a sweat, lifting heavy items, etc.)

  • Activities that require a lot of concentration (for example, attending school, doing homework, playing video games, texting, social media, etc.)     

Brain rest is necessary for concussion recovery and prevention of further injury.  Children often complain that they get bored during Brain Rest, this is good!  Brain Rest should be boring.

Allow your child to sleep and rest as much as possible.  Children may need to remain home from school until their symptoms significantly improve.  Your child's provider will help you come up with a customized plan based on your child's symptoms that will maximize their recovery.  Slowly reintroduce mental and physical activities with guidance from your provider, see Return to Learn, Play handout.  

Local Support Group:

The Brain Injury Association of Vermont hosts a support group on the second Tuesday of each month from 6-8pm at the Patricia A Hannaford Career Center in Middlebury, Room 208.  For more information, please click here.  

Resources:

Brain Injury Association of Vermont 

Fletcher Allen Concussion Task Force

American Academy of Pediatrics - Concussions

American Academy of Pediatrics - Returning to Learning after Concussion

Concussions Speak 

Centers for Disease Control - Concussions 

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - Concussion Care for Kids: Minds Matter