My life after concussion: Finding a new game

Esther playing soccer before her concussion and practicing her golfswing after her injury I am a 15-year-old rising high school junior. I suffered a severe concussion in April 2013 while playing soccer and continue to experience daily intermittent headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness and memory deficits. Before my concussion, I was an avid soccer player — I played on three teams including a competitive club team — and also played tennis, hockey, and skied. I definitely underestimated the severity of my concussion. I went to school the next day and was diagnosed when the baseline test at school revealed red flags. Still, I continued to underestimate. I pressured myself to get back to my soccer team and to keep up in school. I’ve learned a few important lessons during my recovery. Educate others, find good support, and be a confident self-advocate. I cannot count how many times I have been told my exemption from sports at school made me “lucky,” or the fact that I couldn’t take final exams a month after my concussion was “lucky.” Luck is not a word I would choose to describe a life-altering injury. Concussions are a silent and invisible injury. Without a cast or crutches to show others you are injured, you get plagued with questions. “Why aren’t you playing soccer?” “Why do you even have that soccer jersey; you don’t play!” “Why do you have extended time for assessments?” “Why weren’t you at school?” Even my closest friends struggle...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Kids' Safety Our Patients’ Stories Brain Injury Center concussion Dr. Alex Taylor Dr. Michael O'brien sports concussion Source Type: news