The Woodlands Learningrx Cautions Parents to Watch Out for Sports-Related Brain Injuries

The Woodlands LearningRx cautions parents to watch out for sports-related brain injuries

Now that the fall sports season has officially began, students are busy practicing for the big games.

While children focus on increasing their skills on the field or court, parents should turn their attention to the one sports-related injury – concussions – that could result in lasting damage to the brain.
Concussions should be a top concern for parents of young athletes, Kim Bellini, owner and director of the brain-training center The Woodlands LearningRx, explained.

She said that brain injuries caused by a bump or blow to the head deserve serious attention.

“Knowing the signs and symptoms of concussions and taking the proper action to avoid permanent damage is critical,” Bellini said. “Brain changes in children who have sustained a concussion can persist for months or even longer following injury -- even after the symptoms of the injury are gone.”

The Woodlands LearningRx focuses on increasing the brain’s capacity to learn. “Faster reaction time and increased ability for analysis can help a student in the classroom or during a sports game,” Bellini said. “But a brain injury can set students back in all aspects of their lives.”
To help young athletes, The Woodlands LearningRx is offering a discounted cognitive assessment for students who bring proof of enrollment in a sport to the center. Cognitive assessments can tell parents what learning skills need to be improved, which can help a child on the sports field as well as in the classroom. They can also be used as a baseline cognitive assessment to be compared with assessments performed after an injury.
Bellini also offers the following advice for parents with athletic children.
“Even a mild ding can be serious,” she said. “You can’t see a concussion, so you need to know the signs of a problem and seek medical attention immediately if advised.”

Some signs that parents may observe in a child with a concussion include:
n Headaches or pressure
n Confusion
n Forgetfulness
n Unsure of the game, opponent or score
n Clumsy movement
n Mood changes
n Inability to recall what happened right before or after a fall or hit
n Delayed answering of questions
n Loss of consciousness – even if just for a moment
The athlete might report feeling dizzy or sluggish, having blurry or double vision or being sensitive to light or noise. A child may be nauseous, dazed or confused, Bellini added.
Bellini said that if a parent or teacher notices these symptoms during a game, first put the child on the sidelines. If symptoms worsen with physical and mental exertion, students should be evaluated by a medical provider before reentering the game.
Bellini suggests seeking medical attention if a child receives any bumps to the head. She also said parents should encourage students to wear helmets, even during practice.
“Most concussions actually happen in practice,” she said. “It’s more important for kids to be safe than to be an all-star.”
Ultimately, Bellini recommends that parents undertand the risks and treatments of concussions before signing their children up for sports this year.
“Concussions are serious business,” she said. “It’s absolutely critical that parents recognize signs for a concussion and respond as soon as it occurs.”
The unique one-on-one training at LearningRx transforms a student’s ability to learn at a core, cognitive level. To learn more about The Woodlands LearningRx, visit www.learningrx.com/the-woodlands.

About LearningRx
LearningRx specializes in identifying and correcting the underlying cognitive skill deficiencies that keep people from achieving their full potential whether in school, business or life. The program was pioneered by Dr. Ken Gibson. Using a comprehensive skills assessment test and intensive one-on-one training, certified trainers help individuals quickly and effectively improve weak cognitive skills such as attention, memory, processing speed, and problem solving.