Concussion Home

Approximately 1 in 220 pediatric patients seen in the emergency room is diagnosed with a concussion and 30-50% of these concussions are sports-related. With regards to high school sports, 9% of all injuries lead to concussion, and it appears that boys experience more sports-related concussions overall, but girls are at an increased risk when comparing similar sports. Symptoms Similar to adults, signs and symptoms of concussion in children and adolescents fall into 4 cate...gories: physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep related symptoms. Headache is the most frequently reported symptom, and sleep disturbances (excessive sleeping, daytime drowsiness, difficulty falling asleep, or nighttime waking), dizziness, balance deficits, fatigue, and difficulty thinking are very common as well. In more severe cases, loss of consciousness may occur in less than 10% of cases, as well as amnesia. Injury to the young developing brains may be associated with a greater risk of long-term functional impairments due to structural and functional changes in the brain. Patients with pre-existing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or a pre-existing learning disability may experience more severe or prolonged presentation of their symptoms and may find it more difficult to manage their condition. Recovery Postconcussive symptoms for most children resolve in 1-2 weeks after injury, but 15%-30% of children may experience symptoms that persist for at least 3 months. The likelihood of developing persisting symptoms depend on the severity of the injury, pre-existing anxiety and depression, and a poorer perception of the impact of the injury... Check out our platform + full blog posts on concussionhome.com

Healthy eating patterns are pivotal for overall health, and when an injury or an illness occurs, it becomes crucially important to assess the quality of our diet on our path to recovery. Nutrition is a vital component of post-concussion recovery as the body and brain needs adequate nutrients to recover. What nutrients should you consume during post-concussion recovery? Carbohydrates... The brain uses a significant amount of energy in comparison to the rest of the body. Additionally, the brain must use an immense amount of energy in order to recover from a concussion. As carbohydrates typically provide the main source of energy, it is important for concussion survivors to consume an adequate amount of energy in the form of carbohydrates. To ensure an adequate amount of carbohydrates, concussion survivors can incorporate foods that are healthy sources of carbohydrates: Beans Starchy vegetables i.e. potatoes Fruits Whole grain foods i.e. whole grain pasta Healthy Fats and Oils Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a specific type of omega-3 fatty acid, is necessary to maintain regular brain function in adults. Moreover, DHA has anti-inflammatory responses. This is beneficial for concussion survivors as many survivors are diagnosed with increased inflammation in the brain. Therefore, DHA may help improve cognitive function among post-concussion survivors... Check out our platform + full blog posts on concussionhome.com

Insomnia is one of the most commonly reported symptoms after a concussion. Approximately 30-70% of concussed individuals report sleep disturbances following an injury. These sleep disturbances are often categorized as either excessive sleepiness during the day, insomnia, or feeling unrefreshed when waking up in the morning. Overall, 40-65% of the individuals who have sustained concussion are experiencing insomnia. Is Insomnia Experienced Immediately or Gradually?... Researchers have noted that there is often a gradual shift from hypersomnia to insomnia. Shortly after sustaining a concussion, individuals report feeling overly sleepy and requiring naps throughout the day. However, 2-3 weeks following the head trauma, they report experiences that are more characteristic of insomnia: having trouble sleeping and waking up earlier than desired. Check out our full blog post + platform on concussionhome.com

Seeing your loved ones recover from a traumatic brain injury can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you are not sure how you should be helping. This can be especially difficult because a concussion is an invisible injury, meaning that the physical symptoms experienced cannot be seen by other people. On top of those invisible symptoms, patients also experience psychological problems such as increased anxiety, depression, changes in self-identity, and even some pers...onality changes. The following is a list of ways you can help your loved ones cope with their symptoms and support them during their recovery: Validation One of the best things you can do to support your loved ones is to listen to their concerns, acknowledge their problems, and validate how they are feeling. In a focus group done on patients following their brain injury, they reported that one of the main features that would help them feel valued after their concussion is validation from others. Ensure that you are communicating with your loved ones to make them feel heard and understood. Accept and respect the changes they are experiencing Patients who do not receive acceptance from their partners, family members, and friends express a sense of depersonalization. This is because the patient typically experiences changes in their physical abilities, their vocational functioning, and their identity making them feel like a different person. It is crucial that you support, accept, and respect those changes and help them develop a new sense of being... Check out concussionhome.com for our platform + full blog posts

Vertigo is the illusion that you or your surroundings are spinning, rotating or moving, despite actual movement. Many individuals will have trouble walking and/or lose their balance when experiencing vertigo. Moreover, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and pallor are symptoms commonly correlated with vertigo.Physicians diagnose post-concussion vertigo through multiple exams that evaluate balance, hearing and dizziness. How Common is Vertigo Among Concussion Patients? Vertigo is... the most common cause of dizziness among concussion patients. Researchers have elucidated that vertigo approximately impacts 50% of concussion patients. What Causes Vertigo? Behind the ears are three pairs of canals. These canals are responsible for the vestibular system. The vestibular system is crucial as the system ensures coordination and balance and thus, prevents individuals from experiencing dizziness... Check out our platform + blog posts at concussionhome.com