by: Brad Yeargin, Drayer Physical Therapy Institute
A concussion is a brain injury in which the brain collides with the inside of the skull. Concussions always are serious, can occur in any sport, and can result from a blow to the body or a shaking at the head. Most of them occur without a loss of consciousness.
Adolescents are more likely than adults to get concussions and their recovery takes longer. Athletes with a history of concussions are at an increased risk for another concussion. A repeat concussion before the brain is fully healed from the first injury will take longer than normal to recover from and increases the likelihood of long-term problems.
Recognition of and proper response to concussions when they first occur can prevent further injury or even death. Here’s a checklist of signs and symptoms to consider:
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
A forceful bump, blow or jolt to the head or body
Concussion symptoms or a change in the athlete’s:
• Behavior
• Thinking
• Physical functioning
What you can see
• The athlete appears dazed or stunned
• Confused about assignment
• Forgets instruction
• Unsure of game, score or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness
• Mood changes
• Can’t recall events before or after hit
What the athlete reports
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Feeling sluggish
• Concentration problems
• Confusion
WHAT TO DO
Remove athlete from competition
Ensure the athlete is evaluated by a health care professional experienced in concussion evaluation
• Laws vary by state but can include primary care physicians, sports medicine physicians, certified athletic trainers Inform athlete’s parents of possible concussion
Keep athlete out of play until cleared by a health care professional
Article originally published at
https://drayerpt.com/blog/concussion-signs-and-what-to-do-when-you-see-them/