Ask our Patients…What they would tell you about concussions.

Q: What would you tell other athletes that have suffered a concussion?

A: If you have suffered from a concussion, remember, you only have one brain, take care of it. Do not let someone else tell you how you feel.  Do not let the coaches tell you that you are fine. Listen to your brain because it is telling you that something is wrong. Our daughter had the guts to keep telling us that something was wrong. She didn't let anybody tell her any different.  Sports are great, and if you can play again great, and if not, that's okay too. 

It is difficult to miss out on certain sports, but coming from a mother that has watched a child go through this, there is nothing more important than taking care of your brain. You learn real fast that your brain controls everything. Most athletes stop their career after high school, and there is no sport that is worth the risk of jeopardizing your future.

Our daughter had her high school years all planned out, until her accident.  That accident changed everything and I cannot emphasize enough the importance of your brain. Get the screening, listen to Dr. Ala, she is truly amazing and she will tell it like it is. That is exactly what you need to hear to recover.  

DO NOT HIDE THE SYMPTOMS. I will make some enemies with this statement, but there is no state championship worth ignoring your brain. The day Dr. Ala said, " You've got your daughter back" , yep you guessed it, I cried. Followed by the biggest smile on my face.

A: Never ignore the symptoms or think it's only a mild concussion.  Get help immediately and take precaution.  Don't get back at the sport ASAP because it is a life long injury if not taken care of.  Our son suffered for many months and it was not just a couple of weeks of recovery as we were originally told.

Until, we found Dr. Ala we just thought our son would have to live this life suffering this way.  Thank God for what she knows and trust us, we know best.  She made our son smile again!!

A: Seek medical attention soon after the injury, it makes recovery quicker and reduces the chance for permanent injury.  Stay positive! It is hard work and not many people understand what you are going through.