When we think of concussions, professional athletes are the first people to come to mind, but what about our children? Although concussions among professional athletes are widely reported by the media, they are becoming more and more common among Canadian youth. Unfortunately, many teens and parents are unaware of the signs of concussions and may forgo medical attention because they don’t know that a concussion has happened.
Sue Underhill, a physiotherapist at Maximum Physiotherapy Services, says that educating kids, parents and coaches is essential in an area where so many of our youth are active in sports that can result in head injuries. In response to this growing issue, Maximum Physiotherapy Services has created a program to identify, test for, and properly manage concussions.
Thinking involving concussions has evolved over the years. While helmets were once considered effective protection against concussions, the reality is that they can only prevent fractures and abrasions. Any forceful blow to the head, whether the recipient is wearing a helmet or not, can result in a serious brain injury.
How Can I Identify Concussion Symptoms?
How do you know if you or your child has a concussion? There are a huge variety of symptoms including headaches, light sensitivity, coordination and reflex problems, sleep issues, and emotional or mood instability. The difficulty in diagnosing concussions often occurs because each person is different. One effective new strategy that is improving diagnoses is baseline testing.
Prior to the beginning of a sports season, athletes are given a variety of tests to determine what is normal for them. Tests range from balance and visual exams to concentration, nervous system and memory tests. After an injury, the tests are re-administered and compared to the athlete’s baseline test results. By testing twice, doctors and therapists can identify how much damage a concussion has caused. This allows them to more accurately determine when the athlete can return to their activity.
What to Do If Your Child Suffers a Brain Injury
Medical advice for concussions has also become much more specific in recent years, Underhill notes. She says that it was once common to advise someone with a concussion to simply stay in a dark room until they felt better. Today, medical advice is much stricter, but parents and kids may not be aware of the steps to take after receiving a concussion. No one with a concussion should return to the field or to physical activity until they have fully recovered. Even activities where the injured person must seriously focus or concentrate can make concussions worse.
Throughout Canada, the government is taking steps to assist medical professionals in identifying and managing concussions. After a high school student returned to the field too soon after a concussion and endured a second injury that resulted in her death, legislation called Rowan’s Law was introduced. It requires concussion awareness to be a part of school curriculum.
Simcoe County school boards are also providing support by requiring communication between doctors and schools. If a student sustains a brain injury, their therapist or doctor will communicate closely with the school principal about what the student’s activity level can safely include. The student will not be allowed to return to their sport(s) until they receive a green light from their doctor or therapist. Doctors may also mandate that students receive more time on exams, not participate in gym class, or make other recommendations to ensure the fastest and safest recovery possible.
To learn more about the wide range of initiatives being taken by schools, medical professionals and the government to improve concussion treatment, click here to read the full article.
In addition, if your child or an athlete on your team has sustained a concussion, don’t wait to seek legal help. A brain injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you in the steps you should take next.
