Concussion 101
Counselor & Nurse Resources for NEMS Staff
Concussion Training Recap
In place of the Counselor Connection, this month, we are happy to share information that the counselors and nurse learned at the Riverside Hospital/Noblesville Schools Concussion Training! It was such an informative and eye opening training.
CONCUSSION 101
Longer Healing Time ...
Children with other issues that impact the brain such as ADHD, prior migraines, depression and other psychological disorders take significantly longer to heal from a concussion. When working with a student that has these underlying issues and a concussion expect the healing to take twice as long.
Concuss or Not to Concuss
The Latin root of the word concussion is concuss, which means to shake violently. When a person gets a concussion, their brain is shaken violently. The biggest danger for someone under the age of 23 is having a second impact concussion. A second impact concussion is often deadly.
Concussion Impact on your Body
When someone experiences a concussion, they experience a chemical imbalance in the brain. This chemical imbalance causes the body to need more glucose. When someone doesn't get enough glucose, the body shifts into just maintaining basic body functions and does not send energy to the brain. Similar to a diabetic episode, concussed students seem to be in a fog at times. People with concussions should eat small snacks frequently throughout the day. Their brain is in a depressed metabolic state. Leading Concussion researchers believe that it takes a minimum of 14-21 days to turn around the brain to a normal metabolic state.
Great Video that Explains the Neurological Impacts of a Concussion
Accommodations for Concussions
Why limit screen time?
A concussion significantly impacts the person's balance and eye tracking ability due to the release of chemicals in their brain. IPAD, TV, Computers and Video Games cause unnecessary eye strain which can prolong concussion symptoms. Students will do better to have the work on their IPAD read to them.
But I just told you what to do on this assignment ...
Remember, people with concussions have just had their brains "shaken violently". Students will do better if you provide them with clear, short written directions for all assignments or tasks. You could also record the directions on their IPAD as a reminder for them to play at a later time.
Ok ... so every possible accommodations is checked on the doctor's note?!
Yes! Students need many different types of accommodations based on their injury. Medical professionals don't want to limit these because a person with a concussion could benefit from these. It is up to the medical professional to decide what accommodations are no longer needed. Our external observations have no way of gauging chemical imbalances and metabolic states.
Noblesville East Middle School Counselors
Website: http://www.noblesvilleschools.org/domain/151
Location: 1725 Field Drive, Noblesville, IN, United States
Phone: (317) 773-0782
Twitter: @NEMSCounselors