the most. Keep reading for Galloway’s
advice on how we all can learn to rec-
ognize signs of TBI and be part of the
support system that can make all the dif-
ference for the children affected by it.
Parents of a Child
with Suspected TBI:
First, understand that you are the
first and primary line of defense. Take
every bump on the head seriously. There
may be no marks or immediate signs of
a problem but that doesn’t mean there
isn’t one. If your child loses conscious-
ness, even briefly, or seems dazed and
confused, vomits, or shows unequal di-
lation of the eyes following a blow to the
head, seek medical help right away.
Look for both immediate and de-
layed changes in behavior or ability.
Children often “grow into” their injury
as they access different parts of the brain
at different ages. For example, when
Luke grew into the need for executive
brain functioning — such as planning,
flexibility of thought, self-awareness,
impulse control, organization, time man-
agement, working memory, and self-
control — he suddenly couldn’t com-
plete higher-level assignments or read
higher-level books.
“Parents need to ask themselves,
Why are previous As turning into Cs and
Ds?” notes Galloway. “Don’t assume
the child is just lazy or a ‘screw up,’ as
Luke called himself. Think back: Did my
daughter experience a hard bump on the
head when she fell down the stairs? Could
my son have had a blow to the head dur-
ing baseball practice that we didn’t know
about? Never rule out brain injury, even
if professionals do. Keep trying. Keep
searching for answers. Keep insisting.”
Do your best to support each other.
When someone in your family has TBI, it
takes a steep toll on the whole family. Ten-
sions arise, and relationships are strained
as parents search for solutions and reach
out for help. The most important thing is
that the whole family sticks together and
supports each other. Parents must stay
united and avoid blaming one another or
lashing out in frustration. Remind your-
selves that you need to work together to
help your child get the right diagnosis and
treatment as soon as possible.
Don’t blame yourself. TBI causes
a host of alarming and upsetting symp-
toms. Without a proper diagnosis, the
blame may fall unduly on the parents.
Galloway urges you to resist the inevi-
table self-blame that can set in when oth-
ers point in your direction over a period
of time. Neither you nor your child is
to blame for the unfortunate symptoms
your child suffers.
Don’t be afraid to get a second (or
third) opinion. Do your best to work
with your first-line medical team, holding
a firm line that you need answers. But if
you hit a brick wall and continue to feel
dismissed, take your concerns elsewhere
and explain why. Maintain an expecta-
tion that you will be heard and present
your concerns as clearly and concisely
as possible. Keep a detailed notebook of
your child’s difficulties and take it to ap-
pointments. Know that not all doctors or
educators have been trained fully in how
to recognize TBI symptoms.
Never give up. Whatever you do,
don’t give up hope that someone will
believe you. If you know something is
continued on page 42
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