Well, now you’ve done it.  So, how do we manage a concussion?

Your child has bumped their head playing soccer in the backyard.  They have a headache and a goose egg on their head.  This does not necessarily mean they have a concussion.  We discussed signs to watch for in the last blog.  So, even with a minor injury if they start to show signs of confusion, memory loss, or difficulty concentrating then it might be a concussion.  It is important to know that a concussion is a clinical diagnosis.  This means it is often made based on the story you tell your doctor without any further studies.  They may not always order imaging studies like a CT scan depending upon your child’s physical exam.  Children usually recover in a week or two following the injury.  They should be removed from play or practice immediately to prevent further injury.  It is not necessary to wake your child to check for symptoms even in the first 24 hours.  Treatment with physical and mental rest will speed up recovery. 

If symptoms persist or your pediatrician deems it relevant, you may be seen by a concussion specialist for further treatment such as prolonged rest and physical, occupation, vestibular or speech therapies. We at the Pediatric Headache Center of Richmond are able to help coordinate and manage all of the above aspects of treatment for our patients.