Excerpts

Myths & Facts

Myth...Younger children recover better than older children.

Fact... When the child is injured at a younger age, the brain is less developed. The developing brain of a young child is more vulnerable to an injury; it may take longer for the effects to show up. For example, the full effects of a brain injury to a 4 year old may not become evident until that child is in school and learning how to read and write. Different parts of the brain are challenged as children grow up, and school work becomes more complex. It can take many years for the consequences of a brain injury to become evident in school.

Myth... Physical recovery is a sign that the brain has healed.

Fact... Cognitive recovery is different than physical recovery. When a child resumes walking or takes over dressing, it is a sign of progress and recovery. Physical improvements are concrete indicators of one type of healing. Cognitive and psychological changes may be less apparent. The rate of recovery for physical, cognitive and emotional changes is different. It is important to continue to assess cognitive and psychological functions even when physical gains are evident.

Myth... A brain injury heals with time.

Fact... It takes longer for all the effects of a brain injury to show up in children. We are just beginning to appreciate that it takes longer for the effects of a brain injury to show up in children. Physical recovery is not the same as cognitive recovery. Unlike the comfort often found in the phrase, “Time heals...” it may be the opposite for some children with brain injuries. Time may reveal the consequences of a brain injury as a child develops, and challenges for thinking, learning and communication become more complex. Consequently, it is important for educators to ask parents about any history of falls, car crashes, blows to the head or accidental injuries.