YOU CAN'T JUST "WALK IT OFF"
a project generated to shed light on the dangers of brain injuries and Second Impact Syndrome
If you hit your head and think you may have a concussion...
Tell your parents
or guardians
If your parents don't know, they can't help you. They can take you to the doctor and get you the help you need.
listen to your doctor
Your doctor will probably tell you to rest and not use the computer or watch TV. They might even tell you you can't go to school and you need to stay inside. It might not seem like fun but your brain can't heal when you're looking at a bright screen for a long time or if you're in loud and bright places.
Tell your teachers
and coaches
When you go back to school, sports practice, or even P.E. class, ask your parents to email your teacher/coach about your concussion. You need to sit out of PE or sports for a while. You also may have a hard time focusing in class. Let your teacher know if you need to lie down, take a break, or take a walk.
Write down how you feel every day
If your head hurts in a certain place, if you feel dizzy, if you feel tired, if you feel sick to your stomach, write it down so you can keep track of when you start to notice less symptoms. Once you feel normal again, you can meet with your doctor so they can clear you to return to sports/school/extra curricular activities.
Talk to someone
about how you feel emotionally
Going through the recovery process of a concussion is scary sometimes. Most days you don't feel like yourself and you are far from hopeful that you'll feel better soon. If you feel like this you should see a neurologist and ask for them to recommend a psychologist, so you can have someone to converse with and offer more support than just a listening ear.