Healthy RGV Issue 113

If you suspect your child has
a concussion, contact your
physician and give him
or her plenty of rest. “A
concussion causes torn or
stretched brain cells that
need the body’s energy to
heal. So, rest is essential,”
Asuaje says. “Beyond rest, the
most beneficial treatment of a
concussion is to slowly reintroduce
simple physical and cognitive activities
into your child’s life with the help of a
healthcare professional.”
According to Asuaje, even if your child is a
daredevil, there are several easy ways to help
prevent concussions and other brain injuries
while your child is riding a bike:
HEADS UP ON
BIKING SAFETY
From paper boys hustling through their
paper routes at the crack of dawn to
families taking a Sunday afternoon
cruise through the neighborhood, bike riding
is one of America’s favorite past times. But
every year, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, 26,000
bicycle-related injuries to children and
adolescents result in traumatic brain injuries.
“A brain injury suffered by a child has a
more devastating impact than the same
severity of brain injury suffered by an adult,”
says Dr. Juan Asuaje, Medical Director of
Weslaco Regional Rehabilitation Hospital.
“Unlike an adult’s brain, a child’s brain is
continuously undergoing development, so
it’s more susceptible to injury. The brain
develops rapidly during the first five years
of life and continues to mature late into
adolescent years. When a child experiences a
brain injury, it can alter, or even halt, certain
developments of the brain. A lot of times,
however, the effects of a brain injury suffered
by a child don’t become apparent until later
in life when more critical thinking and social
interaction is required.”
Defined by the Brain Injury Association of
America, a brain injury is any disruption of
the normal function of the brain, usually
caused by a blow or jolt to the head. The
most common brain injury, especially in
children, is a concussion.
SYMPTOMS OF A
CONCUSSION MAY INCLUDE:
• Difficulty thinking clearly,
concentrating, or remembering
things
• Feeling “slowed down,” tired,
having no energy
• Blurry vision
• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting (close to
when the injury occurs)
• Dizziness and balance problems
• Sensitivity to light
• Irritability, sadness,
nervousness, or in general,
more emotional than usual
• Change in sleeping habits -
more or less than usual, or
having trouble falling asleep
1. Properly Fitted Helmet - wearing a
properly fitted helmet every time you
and your child ride a bike is the main way
to prevent brain injury.
2. Follow the Rules of the Road - by
teaching your child to go with the flow
of traffic on the right-side of the road,
what hand signals to use and when,
and what the different traffic signs and
signals mean can help your child stay
safe.
3. Reflectors - attach a front headlight and
a rear red reflector to your child’s bike.
If your child is riding beyond daylight
hours, have him or her wear reflective
clothing, as well.
“If your child doesn’t want to wear a helmet,
try to figure out why,” Asuaje says. “He or
she may be uncomfortable with the helmet
because of its size, unattractiveness, or if it’s
too hot. If so, find a helmet that your child is
comfortable wearing.”
“Be a role-model to your child,” Asuaje
continues. “Go biking as a family and practice
biking skills and safety together. Wear your
properly fitted helmet, follow the rules of the
road, and attach reflectors to your own bike
so that your child can witness biking safety
first-hand. By using these safety precautions,
you can help prevent brain injuries in not
only your child, but yourself, as well.”
30 HEALTHY MAGAZINE