How Pediatric Therapy Can Help Your Child Recover From a Concussion
It’s every football parent’s nightmare. Their child is going for that touchdown when the other team’s defense knocks him a little too hard to the ground. After a few moments, the child sits up, but they’re dazed and out-of-sorts. The trainer makes the call: They’ve suffered a concussion.
According to the CDC, nearly 7% of children under 17 will exhibit symptoms of a concussion or other brain injury, and that likelihood increases as they move from childhood into adolescence. Furthermore, those symptoms can vary wildly, as they’re determined by the area of the brain impacted. Movement, cognitive ability, vision, and more can all be affected.
The good news is that when it comes to concussions, recovery is possible! The pediatric therapists at Skills on the Hill in Washington, DC and Arlington, VA have experience addressing the many symptoms of concussion, ensuring your child receives the care they need to get back to being their old selves.
To learn more about pediatric therapy’s role in concussion recovery, call our Washington, DC or Arlington, VA clinic today!
Understanding Concussions: What They Are, and What They Look Like
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain jostles around the skull due to a jolt to the head. You’ll sometimes see them referred to as “mild” TBIs because concussions are generally not life-threatening; however, they can still cause serious motor, cognitive, and sensory side effects since the injury damages the brain tissue.
Recognizing a concussion in a child can be challenging, particularly if the child is young. They might not have the words to express what’s happening, and so they will simply let you know that they feel strange or not quite right. If your child suffers a blow to the head or a jolt to the body, it’s essential that you monitor them for potential signs of concussion
Concussion symptoms might show up immediately after the accident, or they may take a few days to develop. Here are a few things to be on the lookout for immediately after the injury:
- Loss of consciousness (even if very briefly)
- Trouble remembering what happened before or after the injury
- Seems dazed or stunned
- Seems confused about what they’re doing (i.e., aren’t sure what position they were playing or can’t remember the current score of the game)
- Moves clumsily
And here are symptoms you’ll want to watch out for in the days following the injury:
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Vision issues (double vision, blurry vision)
- Balance issues, including dizziness or vertigo
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Confusion or problems with memory and concentration
- Changes in their mood, behavior, or personality
- Tells you that they just don’t feel quite right
Pediatric Therapy’s Role in Concussion Recovery
If you suspect your child has experienced a concussion, it’s important to confirm with a medical professional. Once you’ve received the diagnosis, it’s time to manage symptoms and begin the recovery process–and that’s where Skills on the Hill comes in!
We’ll begin with a comprehensive evaluation to help us better understand your child’s specific symptoms and struggles. Through observational tests and a complete health history, we’ll have the information to create a tailored treatment plan to address their symptoms and ensure a successful recovery.
We’ll begin with a program of light, monitored physical activity. While rest is important in the days immediately following a concussion, gentle exercise can help boost the rehabilitation process as your child starts to feel better. We’ll let you know which activities are safe for them to perform and will encourage gentle movement during their sessions.
We’ll also work with your child to address their exact symptoms. For example:
- If your child has vision issues related to their concussion, we’ll walk them through simple vision exercises to help stabilize their gaze.
- If your child is struggling with vertigo or instability, we’ll work with them on vestibular rehabilitation activities–exercises that address vertigo directly, plus specialized balance training.
- If your child has trouble concentrating or recalling information, we’ll use games and other activities to rebuild those skills.
As pediatric therapists, our team has much experience working with children who live with motor disorders, learning differences, or developmental delays. The same play-based techniques we use to help them can also help a child suffering from the cognitive, motor, or sensory symptoms associated with concussion.
Let Us Help Relieve Your Child’s Concussion Symptoms!
If your child has suffered a concussion, it’s crucial to begin care immediately so that they have the best possible outcome. While concussions aren’t life-threatening and don’t necessarily cause long-lasting damage, they’re still major accidents that must be taken seriously.
The Skills on the Hill pediatric therapists would love to help your child overcome their concussion symptoms. Call us today to learn more about our concussion recovery services!
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db423.htm