Concussions in children are alarmingly common, affecting over one million children in the United States each year. It is estimated that 50 percent of these injuries go unrecognized, unreported, or untreated.
The Role of Parents in the Treatment Process
Many parents are concerned about their children's recovery from concussions and are willing to do anything to help them. This is a natural reaction, as early and active intervention with targeted treatments is crucial. My experiences at the concussion clinic in New York show that parents who are highly involved in their children's recovery, referred to as "helicopter parents," can play a significant role in managing this serious medical issue.
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Benefits of Helicopter Parents
Over the years, society has had a negative approach towards helicopter parents, viewing them as controlling. However, these parents are valuable as a temporary framework for recovery. The treatment regimen for concussions includes significant lifestyle changes, such as reducing screen time, adjusting circadian rhythms, and cognitive demands. Children with active and caring parents typically recover faster and without complications.
For example, a young girl suffered a concussion after a boating accident, and her father hesitantly came to her aid. He noticed that his daughter was struggling with calculations and using maps, and after a few days, he helped her stick to her diet and sleep schedule. Additionally, a young boy who was injured while skiing recovered with his mother's help and followed specific vitamins and exercises.
These experiences show that even if someone is recovering from a concussion, following a treatment regimen without parental support can be challenging. Parents need to get involved early and commit to implementing all aspects of the recovery program.
Ultimately, recovery from a concussion yields the best results when parents intervene regularly and systematically. Every progress is carefully monitored, and parents can manage sleep times, diets, and physical activities with medical advice.
Medicine aims for treatment, and we have found that this treatment is best achieved with a helicopter parent approach, especially for a short duration.
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