I was hit in the face with a racket by an overzealous classmate testing her backhand swing and sustained a concussion. For the next full year, Dr. Master, Dr. Tannen, Dr. Socha, Dr. Sheeley and Dr. James explained what was going on and what I needed to do to regain abilities lost.
At the time, I was looking for employment but being steady on my feet in most any store with aisles or fluorescent lights was not an option. Looking at / using screens for 30 minutes at a time was a struggle as well.
SO, while discovering that post concussion syndrome is a thing, my mother said she would commission me to draw a mock serious image characterizing what is going on inside our heads after brain trauma. That is where my version of what is going on in a concussed brain originated.
We talked about it and decided something that could help children understand, just a little, that head injuries are not like other injuries you can ‘see’ and why it is so, so important to follow medical advice for a full recovery. I think it is much more difficult for a child who ‘feels fine’ sitting still – to understand it is necessary to bring on symptoms.
This illustration was designed to help with communication, especially with children about brain injury / concussion recovery.
Apparently, when we sustain injuries and we can see it, we might be more accepting of what medical professionals say is needed to get better (rest, physical therapy, changing bandages, etc.)
Brain injuries are not the same. You can look and ‘feel fine’, especially when still, in low light….. once walking in school hallways or shopping center, at a movie or concert, out on a sunny field, reading, watching a screen, especially in a dark room symptoms can become problematic.
You might have blood vessel, nerve or other damage that needs to heal. Medical professionals need to test for symptoms to determine what is best for each patient. The plan they come up with could mean daily exercise and pushing physical limits.
True, sometimes we can take measures to reduce the risk of head trauma / concussions but not always.
There are studies and collabortive efforts to reduce the incidence.
There are many websites describing symptoms, treatment etc. The one from CHOP, Philadelphia, for example, has a focus on youth.
Visit Elaina’s ETSY store for your own copy of the concussion ‘road map’. You are welcome to ask for customization.