Head injuries can lead to serious cognitive problems, which is why they should always be taken seriously, no matter the age of the person who was injured. However, teenagers may need particularly close attention after a concussion. That’s because during these years, a teen’s brain is still developing, and a concussion is more likely to leave long-term effects. At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we have the knowledge and experience to help your teen recover and return to their everyday lives.
Why Teen Concussions Are Different
The brain of a teenager hasn’t fully matured. The frontal lobe is especially immature at this point, and that’s the part of the brain where humans make decisions, regulate their emotions, and manage impulse control. Because this area is still developing, teens are more likely to experience long-term symptoms and cognitive disruption. It’s harder for teens to identify and communicate their symptoms, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. The longer a concussion is left untreated, the more likely long-term complications will become permanent.
Teenage athletes are at an even higher risk of complications. They face pressures to return to play earlier than they should, minimizing how bad their head injury is. Returning to sports too quickly puts them at risk for Second Impact Syndrome, which is a potentially life-threatening situation that occurs when a second concussion happens before the first one has healed completely.
In addition, a concussion can impact school performance and grades, emotional well-being, and the social life of a teenager. This happens as a result of the concussion disrupting how the brain processes and transmits information, which leads to difficulty concentrating, slower thinking, and memory problems. Imagine trying to concentrate on schoolwork, take tests, or focus during class with these symptoms. It’s nearly impossible. Quick treatment will help your teen keep these impacts low.
Common Signs of Concussions in Teens
If your teen might be suffering from a concussion, it’s essential to recognize the signs so that you can help them get the treatment they need as quickly as possible. The common signs are:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Memory issues
- Confusion
- Mood changes
- Sleep disruption
When someone gets a concussion, symptoms can show up immediately or be delayed for several hours, sometimes even days. Because of that, monitoring your teen long-term after a head injury is essential. The longer treatment is delayed, the more serious and permanent long-term effects can be.
Current Treatment Protocols
Teens and high school athletes with concussions need quick, safe treatment, and we at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine understand this. We focus on:
- Physical and Cognitive Rest: First, the teen with the injury should stop all play and anything that requires a lot of concentration, such as screentime activities like texting or video games, studying, and exercises.
- Slow Return to Work and Play: As the teen heals, a slow introduction back to normal activities is necessary to continue to monitor their progress.
- Pain Management: Acetaminophen should be used to ease the pain of a concussion. Any other medication can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Therapeutic Interventions: Depending on the symptoms, a concussion might require therapeutic treatment, such as physical therapy to restore strength, vestibular rehabilitation to manage dizziness and balance issues, or acupuncture and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEM) therapy to alleviate pain and promote healing.
We use a combination of these treatments to give your teen the best chance at a speedy recovery while keeping the risks of long-term complications low.
Long-Term Considerations for Teen Recovery
A lot of the time, a teen can recover from a concussion in a short amount of time. But some of them experience lingering symptoms and long-term issues like:
- Delay in academics
- Increased risk of learning disabilities
- Increased risk of repeat concussions
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Chronic fatigue
- Difficulty focusing
- Interference with emotional maturity
Still-developing brains are at a higher risk for permanent cognitive issues. Any teen who gets a concussion, no matter how minor, should be monitored closely, even beyond the time it takes for symptoms to disappear, and get medical treatment if symptoms persist.
Why Choose Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine?
A concussion can be a serious injury, and when it happens to a teenager, it can be especially devastating because of their still-developing brains. At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we understand the unique challenges teens face in recovery, and we offer the following:
- Multidisciplinary Expertise: Our board-certified physiatrists are skilled in managing brain and spine injuries without surgery, including concussions. Because we have an excellent understanding of musculoskeletal and neurological systems, we’re uniquely equipped to treat adolescent head injuries with precision and care.
- Personalized Concussion Management: We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our team builds individualized treatment plans that consider your teenager’s medical history, activity level, and school. Whether your teen is a varsity athlete or a recreational player, we design a recovery timeline that prioritizes safety without unnecessary delays.
- Comprehensive Care & Diagnostics: We utilize unique diagnostic tools like neurocognitive testing and symptom tracking to leave no stone unturned. We coordinate care with imaging providers or neuropsychologists for more complex cases if needed.
- Family-Centered Support: We know how important family is, especially when it comes to recovering from a head injury. We’ll keep you updated so you know how to help your teen. We also work with coaches, athletic trainers, and schools to provide a coordinated effort for their well-being.
- Two Convenient Locations: With offices in both East Meadow and Great Neck, we help you in a convenient and stress-free way. Same-week appointments are often available, and our welcoming staff makes each visit efficient, supportive, and informative.
If your teen has a head injury or is showing symptoms of a concussion, don’t wait to get them treatment. They have a better chance of making a full and safe recovery if they get medical attention right away. At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we will help your teen return to play with minimal risks of long-term effects. To help safeguard your teen’s future, call us today for an appointment.