It's scary when your child hits their head while playing or doing something else, isn't it? Even if it's just a small thing, it's normal to think, "Oh, has something happened to my child?" Most of the time, a minor bruise or scratch is no big deal. But sometimes, when you hit your head, especially if it's a hard blow, it can cause a condition called a "concussion." So today, let's talk about what a "concussion" is, how and when a child should start going back to school if that happens.
What is this concussion? Let's understand it simply.
Simply put, a concussion is a temporary injury or impact to the brain . To be precise, when something hits or jolts the head, our brain jolts inside the skull. Think of it like shaking a bottle of water and the water inside it splashes back and forth. That's what happens to our brain. This can damage brain cells and temporarily disrupt their normal function.
The important thing is that a concussion doesn't always result in loss of consciousness. Sometimes there is a slight dizziness, a slight confusion for a few minutes. So, don't think, "I didn't lose consciousness, so it's okay."
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
These symptoms can vary from person to person. For some people, they subside in a few days, while for others, they may last for several weeks or even a month.
- Headache : This is the most common symptom.
- Dizziness and feeling light-headed.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Blue eyes, blurred vision.
- Sensation of a ringing sound in the ears (Tinnitus).
- Feeling tired easily, constantly sleepy.
- Difficulty concentrating, memory loss. (For example, when you try to read something, you don't understand it, you forget what was said a while ago.)
- Sensitivity to light and sound. (Bright light, loud noise are hard to bear.)
- Insomnia or sleeping too much.
- Irritability, sadness, and restlessness.
These symptoms can start immediately after the head injury, or they can appear hours or even days later. Therefore, it is very important to keep a close eye on your child for a few days.
When can a child return to school after a concussion?
This is the biggest question that many parents have. Okay, so let's look at the answer to this.
In most cases, after a concussion, the child should be given a good rest for two or three days. This rest does not mean just staying in bed, but giving the brain a rest. This means reducing watching TV, using the phone, playing video games, and doing very strenuous work.
Then, once the child's symptoms start to subside and they can stand for about 30-45 minutes (about the length of one school period) without too much discomfort , doctors usually allow them to go back to school. But this should only be done under medical advice .
Important: Even if your child starts school, do not allow them to play, participate in physical education classes, or engage in any activity that could cause a head injury again until your doctor gives you the okay. This is because once you have had a concussion, the damage can be even greater if you hit your head again.
How does a concussion affect learning?
Most children who return to school after a concussion can continue their normal activities without major problems. However, some children may experience difficulties such as:
- Frequent headaches: Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork.
- Blurred vision: It is difficult to read books and see things on the board.
- Feeling tired all the time: You may feel sleepy and lose focus during class.
- Difficulty concentrating and remembering: You may lose track of what the teacher says, and it may be difficult to remember lessons.
- Sensitivity to light: You may not be able to tolerate the bright lights in the classroom or the light coming from the window.
- Irritability and sadness: When you can't do your job as well as you used to, you may feel sad and frustrated.
Remember that these things are temporary. They will gradually subside with proper rest and support.
What kind of support can the child receive from the school?
This is a very important point. When your child starts going back to school after a concussion, they can get a lot of support from the school.
First, see if your school has a policy to help children in these situations. Then, you, your child, the doctor, teachers, the principal, the school nurse, and, if necessary, a speech therapist or psychologist, work together to develop a plan that works for your child. If your child is a sportsperson at school, you should also involve the coach.
This plan may include things like:
- Reducing the time spent at school for the first few days: instead of staying all day, come home after a few hours.
- Allowing time for breaks: Take a short break after a class.
- Stop or postpone work that requires a lot of attention (like small papers, exams) for a few days.
- Reducing the number of classes per day.
- Giving extra time for homework, assignments, quizzes, and tests.
- Providing extra classes (`Tutoring`) if necessary.
- Providing class notes and study guides from school.
- Helping to make up for missed lessons during the holidays.
- If you are sensitive to the outdoors, you are allowed to wear sunglasses.
If some children's symptoms persist or worsen, they may need a more formal plan. For example, in some countries there are special education plans such as a `(504 plan)` or an `(IEP - Individualized Education Program)`. Also, methods such as `(RTI - Response to Intervention)` are used to see if the child is improving as expected. Although there are no plans with the same name in Sri Lanka, similar methods can be developed by talking to the school to provide the special support that the child needs. The most important thing is to understand the child's needs and help them accordingly.
What should you do if your child's symptoms return or worsen at school?
Imagine that your child is at school and has a headache or dizziness again. If that happens, the child should tell the teacher and the school nurse. Then they can take a few minutes to rest and try to go back to class.
But if symptoms persist, your child may need to have their school hours reduced, their schoolwork reduced, or they may need more support. If your child is still not functioning normally after two weeks of school, be sure to see a doctor again.
How can we help as parents?
When a child is recovering from a concussion, they need your love, support, and encouragement. Some children may feel sad and frustrated during this time. They may wonder, "Why did this happen to me?" or "I can't do things like I used to." They may also feel embarrassed about receiving special treatment. Talking to a counselor or psychologist can be a great way to help.
Remind your child that the best way to get well soon is to follow the doctor's instructions about schoolwork and other activities. Don't worry. Most children will be back to school and doing everything they love within a few weeks or a month.
Remember: Every child recovers at a different pace. So don't compare yourself to others. Give your child the time they need, and support them.
The most important take-home message from this article is:
Okay, so let's recap the most important points from what we've talked about:
- A concussion is a temporary effect on the brain. Don't take it lightly.
- The most important thing is rest. First, you need to get a good rest and then slowly return to normal activities.
- Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions. Play until your doctor tells you to, and don't engage in activities that could cause further injury to your head.
- Work with the school to develop a plan to get the support your child needs.
- Understand your child's feelings. Give them love, support, and encouragement.
- Most children recover completely. So don't worry, just be patient.
Wishing your child a speedy recovery!
` Concussion, brain injuries, schooling, children's health, head injuries, recovery, parenting advice
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