How To Help Children And Youth That Have Suffered From Head Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injury, Bangs To The Head, Falls, Accidents, Beatings, Slapped On The Head/Face
There are a wide range of head injuries–from extreme to mild brain damage to no apparent ill effects (except a bump on the head). Even seemingly mild bangs on the head, however, can later effect living, learning and behavior–possibly profoundly. After any head injuries, get medical attention as soon as possible. Later, get regular checkups to watch out for any long term consequences. If possible, use doctors who support the practices listed below and follow their advice about which ones to investigate for your child or youth. Without help, head injuries of all kinds have the potential of contributing to physical, neurological and chemical imbalances that can contribute to future learning perceptual challenges, concentration challenges, behavior challenges, and social challenges. The effects of head injuries can lie dormant for many years and can emerge as learning difficulties, physical challenges throughout the whole body or emotional challenges. It is essential to keep track of the details of any head injuries. Childhood & youth challenges with being able to use and remember what they hear, see and feel may be related to head injuries. Frequent head injuries, falls, bangs to the head, accidents can be caused by or complicated by a number of factors including: perceptual challenges, vision and hearing challenges; attention/focusing/coordination challenges; depression or other mental illnesses: anger; low self-confidence and low self-esteem and peer pressure leading to reckless, dangerous behavior. Substance use and abuse, nutrition challenges and exposure to environmental pollutants may also be involved.
First, We Would Investigate |
Second, We Would Investigate |
For Long Term Support |
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On Our Own We Would Try: • Long Walks/Hikes • Nature • Back Rubs and Foot Massages • Replace sodas, juices, sugars, fats, fast foods with water, veggies, whole grains, nuts, protein, fruit, slow food • Bedtime Stories and Chats • Wholesome Pleasures • Pets • Less or No TV, Movies, Video/Computer Games |
For Parents: • Get a medical evaluation. • After a head injury of any severity be very alert for a few months to any changes in appearance, posture, behavior, vision, hearing, memory, learning ability. • Get additional medical attention as soon as you notice any changes. • Avoid frightening the child or youth. • Avoid letting yourself or her/him use the head injury as an excuse to misbehave or slack off with learning and behaving properly. • Acknowledge successes and efforts, as well as giving instructions using Nonviolent Communication processes. |
Check out: www.MedLinePlus.gov. |