Little Bump or Big Trouble?
from Shine Newsletter, Winter 2007
From the playground to the playing field, falling down is part of growing up. While a bump on the head is often just that, it's also important to know how to recognize a more serious head injury and seek treatment. The Children's Hospital Concussion Program can help.
Rick of Denver learned this firsthand. After a hard hit during a lacrosse game, his 16-year-old son, Charley, hit the ground, dazed and with a headache. Rick monitored his son's symptoms at home until, fearing a concussion, he brought Charley to The Children's Hospital Concussion Program.
Tracking the Pain
Each year, hundreds of children turn to Children's for concussion care. Concussions are caused by mild head injuries that hurt the brain and temporarily change how the brain works. They may affect children for days, weeks or even months after injury. The Concussion Program was created to follow these young patients through complete recovery.
"Children typically recover well from concussions," says Michael Kirkwood, PhD, neuropsychologist at Children's and co-director of the Concussion Program. "However, concussions are brain injuries and shouldn't be ignored. They have to be recognized and treated properly for the best outcome."
Symptoms of Concussion
Did you know that your child doesn't have to lose consciousness to suffer a concussion? Though concussions typically don't result in serious complications, it's important to get your child evaluated as soon as possible to prevent long-lasting effects. Any sudden change in your child's thinking or behavior requires immediate medical attention.
More common symptoms of concussions include:
+ Headaches, low energy, sleep problems
+ Slowed thinking, trouble remembering, difficulty focusing
+ Irritability, becoming easily frustrated If you notice any of these problems, talk with your child's physician.
Located in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the program evaluates children and teens and provides treatment and education to patients, physicians and family members. Using computers and written tests, children can be screened for thinking or behavior problems so that proper help can be given at school. When necessary, physicians with the program refer young patients to therapy or additional treatment and determine when the child can safely return to sports and the playground.
An Obvious Impact
"Our job is to help children successfully return to school and play," says Pamela E. Wilson, MD, pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Children's. "Families really appreciate the fact that a specialty group is here to care for their children."
Rick couldn't agree more. After an initial evaluation of Charley, the staff determined he should stay off the field until his headache and slight confusion subsided.
"The program staff was fantastic," Rick recalls. "They were really concerned about Charley, and I was at ease knowing Charley didn't get back to sports too fast and experience an even worse injury."
Contact The Children's Hospital Concussion Program to learn more.
