Concussion Care

Has the young hockey player in your life recently suffered from a concussion? This sports-related injury is surprisingly common among young athletes, and not just hockey players either.

Following a concussion, your child should receive proper medical care and attention. Once the doctor gives the okay, however, your child can return to the ice if he chooses. Before he does, though, there are some things you should do.  

Consider a Baseline Test

For child athletes under five, it’s always a good idea to have a baseline test performed. This test will determine the child’s balance, concentration, memory, and problem-solving abilities.

If a concussion occurs, you can then perform another test and compare the results to the baseline to see if anything has changed due to the injury.

If it’s too late for that in your case, consider baseline testing before your child takes the ice again. That way, if concussions occur in the future, you’ll have the baseline test as a comparison tool.

Develop a Care Plan With Your Child’s Coach

Following a concussion, be sure to talk with your child’s coach. These professionals can be a wonderful resource for helping your child to safely transition back into the sport.

Share any relevant information from your child’s doctor if you feel comfortable. Then, from there, you and the coach can work to develop a plan for getting your child healed, back in shape, and back on the ice.

Address Fears

Finally, don’t forget that, while your child’s body may be healed, he may still be dealing with fear and anxiety involving returning to the ice.

Talk to your child about his worries, offer comfort, be patient, and never force him to continue the sport if he really doesn’t want to.

A concussion is scary for both the child and the parent. But, if you follow these tips, you can get through it together.