Helping Your Teen Athlete Through Concussion Recovery

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury, and unfortunately, they’re a common sports injury in teen athletes. If your teen has sustained a concussion, here’s what you need to know about helping them through their recovery.

Mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) like concussions can be challenging for any teen athlete. Not only does it impact their physical health, but it can also take a toll on their mental and emotional wellness — especially if sports are a major part of their life.

As a parent, your support goes a long way in helping them recover from their concussion. But the best part is that you’re not alone. Our team of experts is on your side. We offer concussion care here at the Link Neuroscience Institute in Oxnard and Santa Barbara, California.

Read on as our team shares seven tips for helping your teen through their concussion recovery.

1. Know the symptoms and take them seriously

A concussion isn’t just a bump on the head; it’s a mild TBI! Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory issues, and sensitivity to light or noise should never be ignored.

Encourage your teen to be honest about how they feel and seek medical attention immediately if a concussion is suspected. If your teen has a suspected concussion, they need to be evaluated by a neurologist before they return to play.

2. Follow their concussion treatment plan carefully

Recovery from a concussion requires time and patience. Follow our team’s instructions carefully, which may include:

Resting both physically and mentally
Avoiding screens, loud noises, or bright lights
Gradually reintroducing schoolwork and activities

These restrictions may be hard for teens, especially if they are active in their sport and use screens (phones or computers) to connect with their friends. Acknowledge their feelings (anger, disappointment, sadness) and reaffirm the importance of each part of their treatment plan. Sometimes knowing why treatment protocols are in place can help a teen stick with the plan.

It’s important not to rush back into sports or other high-risk activities until your Link Neuroscience Institute neurologist gives the green light. Returning too soon can increase your teen’s risk of further brain injury, including sudden brain swelling and second impact syndrome.

3. Create a relaxing environment for your teen

Loud noises and screens can be too stimulating for someone recovering from a concussion. You can help create a calm, low-stimulation environment at home by:

Limiting screen time
Keeping noise levels down
Setting up a quiet place to rest

If you have younger children, explain the importance of keeping your home quiet while your teen recovers. If you have noisy pets, consider keeping the pets in a separate part of the house until your teen recovers.

4. Be patient with your teen

Your teen may feel a lot of emotions — sometimes even multiple emotions at once. They may feel frustrated, anxious, or even depressed, especially if they’re sidelined from the sport they love or if they were hoping to get a scholarship for their sport.

Acknowledge their feelings, let them know it’s okay to feel upset, and remind them that recovery is temporary.

5. Support their team

Even though they can’t play, your teen can still feel connected to their team. Encourage your teen to attend games or practices to cheer on their teammates. This could help boost their spirits while they recover.

6. Monitor your teen for worsening symptoms

Keep a close eye on your teen and watch for signs that their condition is worsening, such as:

Persistent or worsening headaches
Slurred speech or difficulty walking
Unusual drowsiness or confusion

If you notice that your teen’s concussion symptoms are getting worse, don’t brush it off. Call the Link Neuroscience Institute location closest to you.

7. Offer pain medication

If your teen needs pain relief medication, offer acetaminophen for their headache. The American Brain Foundation advises against nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen (Advil®) or aspirin because they can increase the risk of brain bleeds.

When to seek additional support

If your teen’s symptoms persist or if they’re struggling emotionally during recovery, our team of neurologists can help. They can provide targeted care to address lingering issues and ensure your teen is on the right path to healing.

The Link Neuroscience Institute can manage your teen’s medical care as they go through post-TBI rehabilitation.

Questions? Give us a call to schedule a concussion consultation, or click here to schedule your next appointment.