Concussion Frustration

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Specializes in School.

Really frustrated today. I have 2 LD with concussions. LD1-diagnosed around Christmas; LD2 about 6 weeks ago. Both have dragged on so long, one might think some was put on or just fear of pain or testing. LD1-don't see that often, but this week and last week she has had some major issue and have seen her more. I have been very patient with LD2 since he would come to me before for headache meds.

I am wondering how much is testing and make up work is causing some anxiety, therefore and increase in s/s. I spoke with LD2 today and tried to encourage him to do a little bit more. He made a comment that made it seem like if felt like working would make his headache worse, he just wasn't trying. He also made reference to not being able to make up all the work he was missing. He's one of the top of his class and because of the concussion his grades are slipping because of the missing work. His mom has requested a 504 and has the paperwork started. He is being referred to a neurologist. Not sure what all is going on with LD1 since she doesn't talk to me that much and mom just pretty much takes care of her needs and involves me when needed.

I'm just concerned for them. I have read and seen stories of major depression following concussions. I have talked with LD2 counselor about my concerns and am in contact with mom. They both are heavy on my heart today.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated....

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Specializes in School Nurse.

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!

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Specializes in kids.

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...

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

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.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

I'd be skeptical of LD1. I think you're conflicted because you don't want to think there is some "enabling" going on with her. LD2 is a little different. I think neurology should have been consulted much sooner if there was a change in personality and academic performance.

Keep us informed...

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Specializes in School.
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.

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Specializes in School.
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).

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Specializes in School.
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.

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Specializes in School nursing.

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.

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
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.

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