The Devastation of Concussion, Even With Recovery

By Josephine from New Jersey

How does a parent prepare themselves (or their child) for a concussion that will keep their child in and out of school for 8 months? There is no preparation. It's a long terrible ride I wish on no one. The key to healing is to take the injury very seriously and act quickly when it happens. 

Our story began when Janet, our 15 year old soccer player, got an illegal block from a teammate during a scrimmage, hit the ground and blacked out. We immediately started visiting different doctors only to find that it is such a new area of study, the only advice for getting better was to completely rest the brain and body. 

How does an athletic, smart teenager deal with this, especially when she has an entire academic school year ahead of her?  Each day consisted of exhaustion, headaches and dizzy spells. Sometimes she just couldn't concentrate.  What is most difficult is that for the most part Janet looked the same, but she was a different person. She could not do anything she enjoyed, including listening to music, reading a book or watching a movie. Since Janet looked the same and there was no cast on her head, many people could not understand what was happening and why she couldn't attend school on a regular basis or play sports.  We took one day at a time and she rested as much as possible. 

The doctor said another concussion could be worse than the last, so no more contact sports, so she had to give up her beloved soccer and softball. Thanks to our acting quickly after the concussion, Janet has fully recovered and is now a fully functioning high school junior who plays varsity tennis and runs track. Luckily she really loves her new sports and is doing well in school. 

Janet lost a year of her life, which she will never get back. She really doesn't look at it that way, but I do.  She looks at it as an educational experience in which she learned how important it is to stand up for yourself and ask for the help you need and deserve.  Janet also learned how important it is to do your research and do what is best for you, no matter what anyone else says. It was hard for us to hear from people that their son/daughter hit their head and was back in the game a week or two later. Concussions are very individual and complicated.  It would be great if everyone could be educated on how to deal with such an injury. A concussion is not to be taken lightly. I am so proud of my daughter for asking the right questions and handling herself so well. She is one of the most amazing people I know and luckily has a very bright future ahead of her.