The majority of concussions resolve on their own within a week or two when properly managed.
Ask yourself the following questions:
– Was there an event such as a collision during a sports practice or game, a fall, car crash or bicycle crash that may have caused a concussion?
– Did you or anyone else observe any signs of concussion at the time of the event? Click here for a list of signs and symptoms.
– Is your child’s behavior out of the ordinary?
– Has your child’s sleeping patterns changed?
– Is your child complaining about not feeling well?
– Is your child having a more difficult time with schoolwork?
If there is any question about whether or not your child might have sustained a concussion, schedule an appointment with your physician.
– Reassure your child that they will get better
– Emphasize the importance of following the physician’s recommendations
– Communicate and work with your school to support your child’s return to full activity
– Become knowledegable about concussion recovery
– After one concussion there is increased risk for a second concussion regardless of how the concussion occurred.
– There is a cumulative effect of multiple concussions.
– The more concussions an athlete sustains, the longer it takes to fully recover.
– There are many benefits to playing organized sports.
– Concussions happen in all kinds of activities, not just sports and not just football.
– Were the concussions days, months or years apart?
– Did it take days, weeks or months for symptoms to resolve?
– Were the concussions sports-related?
– What did the doctor say?
– Does your sports organization follow the concussion protocol outlined by the NJ Recreation and Parks Association?
– Does your school follow a concussion policy as outlined by the Model Policy for Concussion provided by the NJ Department of Education?
– Have the volunteer coaches been adequately educated about how to recognize that a concussion may be suspected?
– Do the coaches and parents demonstrate a culture of safety above competition?
– Young athletes want to get back to play as soon as possible and may disregard other symptoms.
– The risk for a second concussion is higher when young athletes return to practice or competition too soon.
– The NJ Concussion Law has certain requirements before a student athlete can return to practice or competition.