Help with concussions available
Re: Concussion education has to grow, Oct. 16
Due to the immature and developing brain of children and adolescents, this age group is at greater risk for concussion (also known as mild traumatic brain injury). According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, March 2014 document, “Concussion is a common injury among children and adolescents participating in organized sports and recreational activities.”
The G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre (Vancouver Coastal Health) has an Early Response Concussion Service for adolescents 12 to 18 years of age. An occupational therapist and Vancouver school board teacher provide concussion education, symptom evaluation, symptom management and recommendations for return to play (physical activity) and return to learn (school). If symptoms persist, the child is referred to other health care clinicians, including a psychiatrist (physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation). Dr. Shelina Babul, associate director of the BC Injury Prevention Research and Prevention Unit, has been instrumental in creating the Concussion Awareness Training Tool, cattonline.com, a comprehensive website for health care professionals, parents, coaches, and players (a module for educators is being developed). The goal is to help “prevent, recognize, treat and manage concussions,” and “to decrease the impact of concussions when they occur.”
Thank you Pete McMartin for highlighting a significant health concern. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent a prolonged recovery process for any individual who has sustained a concussion.
KATHY WONG, Occupational therapist, G. F. Strong Rehab Centre, Vancouver
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