HEAD INJURY
Most head injuries are not serious but occasionally they can be and may result in damage to the brain. It is recommended that you seek medical attention immediately if any of the following develop as a result of trauma to the head.
- continuing headache despite taking regular pain relief or a headache that is increasing in severity
- vomiting – more than once
- Bleeding or watery discharge from the ear or nose
- Numbness, weakness or tingling in face arm or leg
- Confusion, drowsiness, irritability, crying or distress
- Anything that resembles a fit or seizure
- Uneven pupil size and/or blurred vision
- Becomes unconscious
- Slurred speech or difficulty swallowing
- New deafness in one or both ears
- Difficulty walking or clumsiness
- Unusual breathing patterns
- You are concerned for any other reason
CONCUSSION
A child who has received a diagnosis of concussion from a medical practitioner, will be required to follow the guidelines for a gradual return to learning, sport and play.
RETURN TO LEARNING, SPORT AND PLAY
Children require a very cautious approach, as their brains are still developing and acquiring knowledge. Current evidence supports a gradual return to school/learning and play.
Your son should have a period of complete physical and mental rest (‘brain rest’). He should refrain from sport, vigorous play and activities that require mental concentration including school/learning, computer and phone use, television and gaming consoles. Once your son has been symptom free for 48 hours he can commence a gradual return to school, play and sporting activities as shown below. If your son remains symptom free he can progress to the next stage however; if he develops any symptoms he should move back one stage and try again after a further 24 hrs.
Return to learning, sport and play protocol for children 18 years of age and under