Concussion Frustration

My son had a concussion in 6th grade. He was playing football at recess and got hit in the head with no helmet. He seemed fine that day, but then the headache was really bad. We were told no screens, no reading, no anything until ALL of the symptoms were gone. He would stay in his bedroom, in the dark, and listen to audiobooks. We ended up doing concussion therapy. It lasted at least 6 weeks. He missed church activities, his birthday, and many other things. I was worried about him being depressed. He would only go to school half days for several weeks. He had just started band and the loudness really hurt his head. He got really behind in trombone. It finally went away, but it was a big deal. It is very hard to go without screens and reading. I think many students don't want to do that part, which makes the headaches last longer, and do more damage potentially. Just sent a kid with a possible concussion home today. They are the real deal! Oh, and my son is in 8th grade and loves football more than ever. He hates trombone. He told me in athletics this week they are doing an "impact test". It is a cognitive baseline test, so they can assess better for concussions once he starts playing in high school. I just pray he doesn't get hurt! That's my concussion story! Hope it helps!

There may be a visual tracking issue here. Have they seen an eye MD? It is well worth the follow-up. best of luck. I have a graduating senior who got hit in his freshman year in Sept and is really finally better this past year. Took 3 years tho...

If the symptoms are persistent, has anyone assessed for whiplash and CSF leak? True story! I think it's past time for the neuro, but glad they're getting there.

There may be a visual tracking issue here. Have they seen an eye MD? It is well worth the follow-up. best of luck. I have a graduating senior who got hit in his freshman year in Sept and is really finally better this past year. Took 3 years tho...

LD2 has. Mom made him get his eyes dilated to check any eye issues. Per the concussion specialist there is eye and brain "disconnect". They tested him earlier this week and said he was better some.

My son had a concussion in 6th grade. He was playing football at recess and got hit in the head with no helmet. He seemed fine that day, but then the headache was really bad. We were told no screens, no reading, no anything until ALL of the symptoms were gone. He would stay in his bedroom, in the dark, and listen to audiobooks. We ended up doing concussion therapy. It lasted at least 6 weeks. He missed church activities, his birthday, and many other things. I was worried about him being depressed. He would only go to school half days for several weeks. He had just started band and the loudness really hurt his head. He got really behind in trombone. It finally went away, but it was a big deal. It is very hard to go without screens and reading. I think many students don't want to do that part, which makes the headaches last longer, and do more damage potentially. Just sent a kid with a possible concussion home today. They are the real deal! Oh, and my son is in 8th grade and loves football more than ever. He hates trombone. He told me in athletics this week they are doing an "impact test". It is a cognitive baseline test, so they can assess better for concussions once he starts playing in high school. I just pray he doesn't get hurt! That's my concussion story! Hope it helps!

Yes, to the no screens. Some of LD2 classes are totally on the computer. It doesn't help when the teacher catches him on his phone and when she encourages him to work he needs to come see me for meds (I just found out this part).

If the symptoms are persistent, has anyone assessed for whiplash and CSF leak? True story! I think it's past time for the neuro, but glad they're getting there.

Not that I am aware of.

For LD2, I'm glad there is a concussion specialist involved.

Like Old Dude, however, I'm more cautious with LD1. Likely I'd refer for f/u due to recent visits and reports of symptoms. There could be a real physical issue here, and I'd want to rule that out. But if it doctor report is different, then worth exploring differently.

Concussions are not fun. Most students I've seen with them get very frustrated that healing time isn't defined and takes longer than they want. HS kids in particular tend to push themselves beyond their limit and end up delaying recovery even longer. I work with parents and teachers, but more often then not it is the student not listening to their limits that triggers symptoms. Parents and teachers accommodate and support.

But also side note: I just called home for a suspected concussion recently and the parent just wasn't listening to me. Kid got accidentally hit full on in the face during box practice by someone else 3x kid's size (was truly an accident, kid has been boxing for years). Kid was checked out by trainer, cleared, stopped boxing for evening and went home. Vomited x1, symptoms resolved, but next day is experiencing headache and nausea. Headache did improve a bit with medication. BUT student told no one what happened until AFTER student had finished taking part one of state testing...Oy.

Yes, to the no screens. Some of LD2 classes are totally on the computer. It doesn't help when the teacher catches him on his phone and when she encourages him to work he needs to come see me for meds (I just found out this part).

AHHH. He can be on his phone and do fine but not the computer, eh? I had one of those. Whelp...that's behavioral. Document the pants off of that.