The Heard Locker

Step out of play immediately – often, you won’t spot a concussion immediately after you get one. You will probably want to stay on the turf and keep playing until the game ends. If you or your head feels weird or foggy at all, don’t. Save yourself from another concussion and extended recovery time by stepping out of play and not going back in.”

 

See your doctor – the first step after a concussion is to let your doctor know you have one. They might want to refer you to a concussion specialist, or an occupational therapist if you are having cognitive and physical problems resulting from your concussion. They will also give you a note of accommodations you may need, such as wearing sunglasses during class, shortened school days, or extended time on tests. 

 

Inform your coach and school – It’s hard to deal with a concussion alone, and especially without proper accommodations. A concussion is brain damage, and your brain needs time and rest to heal. Let your coach and school know how you are feeling, and they will give you the proper rest and accommodations necessary for your recovery.

Tips for a faster recovery

Get plenty of rest:

A concussion is a brain injury, and like any injury, needs time to heal. For it to heal faster, don’t use it as much. Avoid cognitive stimulating activities at first, like using your phone, listening to loud music, or hanging out with friends, if not only for short periods of time. While understandably it will be hard to do this, these actions will ensure your concussion does not reap more consequences down the line.

 

Avoid all Substances 

One thing high schoolers like to do is party. You may be used to drinking each weekend or smoking weed or hitting a flume or whatever vape. If this is the case – don’t – at least until your brain is fully healed. Studies have shown that not only will this drastically prolong recovery time, but it will also lower the amount your brain will recover from your concussion permanently. 

See a concussion specialist

Seeing a concussion specialist will ensure you are getting the most thorough and accurate advice and care you need. They will assess what abilities your concussion is impairing, and help you to gain all of them fully back. If you are having trouble sleeping they may prescribe you sleeping medication, or recommend supplements like magnesium. They will also be able to refer you to the right specialists to fix any other complications from the concussion, like dizziness or balance issues.

 

Listen to your Doctor

Above all else, follow your doctor’s recommendations. While they may sound hard to follow through on, it is scientifically backed advice that will ensure you recover quickly and completely. Failing to do so will prolong your concussion, worsen your symptoms, and might even leave you with permanent symptoms and permanently out of your sport.