T.J. Samson | Destination Health | April 2021

6 DESTINATION HEALTH Know the signs of a concussion The first thing to know about concussions is this: There’s no such thing as a minor one. So says the American Asso- ciation of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). If you or your child has a concussion, you should take it seriously. A concussion is a type of injury to the brain that temporarily im- pairs normal brain function. Con- cussions can be caused by: Direct trauma to the head. This can be the result of a fall, get- ting hit or being in an accident. Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases • The injury causes severe pain, swelling or numbness. • You can’t put any weight on the injured area. • The pain or ache of an old injury is accompanied by increased swelling, or joint abnormality or instability. • Pain or other symptoms worsen after using R.I.C.E. GET HELP IF Elevate the injured area on a pillow above the level of your heart, if pos- sible. This will help reduce swelling. Rest and reduce your activ- ity. Use crutches as needed. Ice right away to keep swelling down. Use ice for 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times a day. Compress the injured area to keep swelling down and to provide support. TREATING SPORTS INJURIES Using the R.I.C.E. method right away is a good first treatment for mild sprains or strains. Stay well R I C E REST ICE COMPRESS ELEVATE Rapid back-and-forth move- ment of the head, such as what happens in a whiplash injury. SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION According to the AANS, common symptoms of a concussion include: ● Confusion. ● Headache. ● Double or blurry vision. ● Dizziness or poor balance. ● Nausea or vomiting. ● Memory loss. ● Ringing in the ears. ● Problems concentrating. ● Sensitivity to light. ● Loss of smell or taste. Medicine can make a big difference in the lives of kids with attention-deficit/hy- peractivity disorder (ADHD). It can help them focus more and fidget less—at home and school. It can help them have better social skills too. The most widely used ADHD drugs are called stimulants.They have a calming effect in people with ADHD. Studies show that about 80% of kids with ADHD improve a great deal with this medicine. But it must be taken as directed. WORK WITH YOUR CHILD’S PROVIDER There are different kinds of stimulants. And some chil- dren respond to one but not another.That means it can take some time and maybe more than one follow- up visit with a primary care provider to find the right stimulant at the right dose. The best way to find an effective match is to work closely with your child’s primary care provider. Keep an eye on your child’s behavior. And tell your provider if your child’s symptoms Parents: Stay the course with ADHD treatments ● Trouble falling asleep. If any of these symptoms appear after a blow to the head, you should consult a doctor. WHEN CONCUSSION IS AN EMERGENCY Most people recover quickly from a concussion. But you should seek im- mediate medical care for any of the following signs and symptoms: ● A headache that gets worse or doesn’t go away. ● Slurred speech, weakness, numb- ness or poor coordination. ● Significant nausea or continued vomiting. ● Seizures. ● Loss of consciousness. ● An inability to wake up. ● Symptoms that have worsened or not gone away after 10 to 14 days. ● A history of multiple concussions. TREATING CONCUSSIONS After you experience a concussion, your doctor might suggest you get plenty of rest and restrict physical and mental activities for a while. Adults may have to take off some time from work, and children may need to be kept home from school for a few days. You’ll want to moni- tor yourself or your child for wors- ening symptoms. Additional source: American Academy of Pediatrics improve or, as important, get worse. Watch for side effects too. Most can be eased—for example, by adjusting the medi- cine’s dose. Be aware, too, that medicine is never a replacement for other ways to help your child control their behavior, such as re- warding positive changes or using calm discipline. One last tip: No mat- ter how much your child improves, stick with your child’s treatment plan, including their medicine. Never stop your child’s med- icine without an OK from your child’s provider. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention