Concussions

drdustydc

concussion_0131Concussions

Everyday there is more research and information about concussions available to the public. And never before has awareness been higher. It has been the talk of the media with the recent increase in retired NFL players and pro wrestlers committing suicide after dealing with behavioral and emotional changes likely from multiple concussions causing the permanent brain damage called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). However, it is surprising how many people are unaware of how to determine if someone has a concussion and what steps to take if they do. And we must remember concussions can result from a one time major trauma or repeated mild trauma.

The best place to start is discussion what a concussion really is:

“The brain is made of soft tissue and is cushioned by spinal fluid. It is encased in the hard, protective skull. When a person gets a head injury, the brain can move around inside the skull and even bang against it. This can lead to  bruising of the brain, tearing of blood vessels, and injury to the nerves. When this happens, a person can get a concussion — a temporary loss of normal brain function.”

–      http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/first_aid/concussions.html

There is also a lot of confusion as to the symptoms of a concussion. Many people think there as to be a loss of consciousness but in fact the symptoms are quite varying and range in severity. This list below is from www.STOPSportsInjuries.org.

qhcnluConcussion symptoms include the following:

  • Balance problems
  • Difficulty communicating, concentrating
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling emotional
  • Feeling mentally foggy
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Memory difficulties
  • Nausea
  • Nervousness
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Sadness
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Sleeping more than usual or difficulty falling asleep
  • Visual problems – blurry or double vision
  • Vomiting
  • Balance problems
  • Difficulty communicating, concentrating
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling emotional
  • Feeling mentally foggy
  • Headache
  • Irritability

The first steps any coach, family member or friend needs to take when a suspected head trauma has occurred is to remove the injured person from activity. Second, look for any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above (but remember some may take time to present). If any are present the individual should not return to the activity and should seek medical attention. Parent or spouse should be informed of the incident and educated to watch for the signs and symptoms (http://www.stopsportsinjuries.org/STOP/STOP/Prevent_Injuries/Concussion.aspx).

As a coach, recording the following information can help health care professionals in assessing the athlete after the injury:

  • Cause of the injury and force of the hit or blow to the head or body
  • Any loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out) and if so, for how long
  • Any memory loss immediately following the injury
  • Any seizures immediately following the injury
  • Number of previous concussions (if any)

–      http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/sports/response.html

Return to activity or sport should not happen until cleared by a medical professional (in many states this is the law).  When returning to activity the individual should do so slowly.

  1. no activity
  2. light aerobic exercise, such as walking or stationary cycling (no resistance training)
  3. sports-specific exercise (for example, running in soccer, skating in hockey)
  4. non-contact training drills
  5. full contact training after medical clearance

–      http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/first_aid/concussions.html

concussion-brain-football-helmet.jpg

We can all help to reduce the number of concussions that occur during sports by encouraging safer practices. These would include things such as “enforcing rules to minimize player to player contact” as when: two soccer players competing for a header collide heads (http://www.stopsportsinjuries.org /“Heading Not the Main Safety Concern for Soccer Players“). The most recent ruling was the recent rule change of no headers at all in soccer for ages of 10 and younger. Also, several teams from pee wee to college have instituted non-tackle practices.  It is also important to make sure that safety equipment fits properly and is in good condition (http://www.stopsportsinjuries.org/ “Get Your Head on Straight and Make Sure You Have a Properly Fitted Helmet”)).

And always remember       When in doubt, sit them out

Published by drdustydc