UnityPoint Health – Meriter Nurse Practitioner Debunks Concussion Myths
The seasons are changing to cooler weather which means fall sports will soon be in full swing. During this time of year, we hear a lot of talk about concussions.
Devon Balles, a pediatric nurse practitioner at UnityPoint Health – Meriter is clearing up some common myths about these head injuries.
Myth: Players can return to the game if they feel fine.
Fact: Concussion symptoms can be delayed. It’s important to monitor any athlete with a head injury and bring them in to see us if they start to show symptoms, even up to two days after the hit.
Myth: I need to be on strict bed rest with limited activity when I have a concussion.
Fact: That’s not necessarily true. Occupational therapists may encourage light activity that will not aggravate your symptoms. Symptoms might feel worse on day two or three. A good rule of thumb is do what you can, and don’t do what you can’t.
For some, this might look like adjusting a work or school day to limit brightness and noise triggers like band class or bright grocery store lights until symptoms get better.
Myth: I shouldn’t let myself fall asleep or should be woken up throughout the night if I have a concussion.
Fact: Nope, in fact it’s quite the opposite. You can absolutely sleep when you have a concussion and getting the proper amount of sleep and rest is very important for healing.
If a player takes a hard hit on the field, it’s always better to be cautious. When in doubt, sit them out and bring them in for emergent, after-hours care or a primary care visit to ensure they are okay to get back out there.
UnityPoint Health – Meriter provides convenient, personal care to patients in hospital and clinic settings. As a partner of UW Health and affiliate of UnityPoint Health, we are devoted to showing our people and communities how much they matter. We offer primary and specialty care, have the busiest birthing center in Wisconsin and are regularly recognized for outstanding quality and patient experience. We are proud to be part of UnityPoint Health, providing care throughout Iowa and Wisconsin. Visit us at unitypoint.org and facebook.com/meriter.
