Shock; What I learned from my own Kid & # 039

Updated September 16, 2014.

I consider myself very well informed about concussion (mild traumatic alias, TCL or brain injury). I've written a lot about TCL for this page. I attended conferences, dug in scientific research, and interviewed top experts.

, The shock of eyes my own son, however, remained open. This is what surprised me.

1 symptoms are elusive. After the incident, which ironically does not include sports my daughter mentioned headaches and nausea and fatigue first. I was not able to connect the dots, as we were on holiday, the weather was very hot, our routine was different, and so on. Even after the diagnosis, I was confused. Is violated because of the concussion of the head, or because they worry about missing school are because they are either not distracted by your normal activities?

Two other really matters. Already the crash happened while we were on vacation, and (see above), which was what had happened, we had a rhythm of work. On the third day after the incident, my daughter was too weak and ill to go and needs a wheelchair.

3 wound is really invisible. Leaving our daughter to do too much too soon after his concussion, because we do not realize that he still symptoms. And even with my knowledge of the shock, I was doubtful: Could it all with this blow to the head, a few weeks ago? Would have liked clearer that my son had, have made their symptoms. And I wish I had taken more seriously from the beginning.

4 of recovery is slow and frustrating. According to TBI was finally diagnosed by a physician assistant, start the recovery process for good. This means complete physical and cognitive rest, or, as the AP described it, the absolute boredom: It is very difficult for the patient and for the whole "If you're not completely bored you too." World around them! All I could do was sleep and embrace our dogs. After a few days some gentle activities are tolerated, including the kitchen and hear, read books.

5 Healthy habits can help. Using over-the-counter medications for the treatment of pain is acceptable after TBI, but this does not work for my son. We talked with them and concentrated in sleep (sleep much!), Hydration (plenty of water!), And nutritious food rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, spinach and flax seed. Of course, you should follow your doctor's advice about him; recommended dietary fatty fish.

6 school could surprise My daughter has three full days of school lost, then again a short time later. Lessons, one day, the price for the next morning in the prevention of noise and chaos of the dining room. Since the injury came at the beginning of the school year in a school that was new for both of us, I do not know what to expect when I called his repeated absences. But before we even medical excuse in hand, the school was very helpful. Obviously, and unfortunately the staff is used to treat traumatic brain injury in the student body.

I thought it was clever and conservative concussion before this incident. Well, if one of my children is hurt again, I'll much better prepared to respond to. I just hope that they do not have.