Concussion Recognition & Awareness

With September here, the Fall sports season is almost here, which means many contact sports will soon be in full swing. Coincidentally, another important day is also fast approaching. September 19^th is National Concussion Awareness Day. An injury like a concussion is something nobody wants to have to think about, but it’s vital to know the different signs, preventative measures, and how to care for them if you or your child are active in contact sports of any kind.

According to the International Concussion Society, “In the U.S. alone, there are between 1.6 million and 3.6 million recreational and sports-related concussions each year. But despite the frequency of these injuries, many people don’t understand concussions enough to know when they have occurred. For example, 90% of sports-related concussions take place without the individual losing consciousness. But many people still think someone can only be concussed if they are knocked out. Not only that, but 40% of athletes with concussions return to play before they should. This puts them at risk for additional injury.” This is why we want you to be prepared to deal with the situation should it arise. With concussions, proper care and timely intervention are vital to reducing injury.

Preventative Measures

            According to experts at Indiana Health University, some of the key measures in preventing concussions in sport are things like proper technique and equipment, proper training, and rule enforcement and fair play. Much like other activities that involve high intensity and stress on the body, emphasizing proper technique is a key way to avoid injury of all kinds, including concussion. Ensuring that the right form for tackle and head in soccer, how to block in football, and developing balance and control for running track to avoid falls are simple ways to avoid situations which can cause head trauma. In terms of training, IHU states “Pre-season conditioning programs can improve overall fitness and conditioning, reducing the risk of injuries. Incorporating exercises that strengthen neck and shoulder muscles can help protect against concussions. Improving agility and balance can reduce the risk of falls and collisions, which are common causes of head injuries.”

Protective Gear

            Proper protective gear is another key way to prevent injury. Just as you protect your legs in soccer with guards, protecting your head in things like football is very important, although football isn’t the only sport where headwear can be used. Even activities which don’t normally have headgear requirements can have athletes using things like soft helmets (often seen on athletes who play in goalkeeper positions). These are designed to absorb impact as well but are not made as hard or rugged as something like a football helmet. They are different from rugby helmets, despite their similarities. Often sports specific helmets and protective gear are made with the specific actions and impacts of the sport they’re made for, and have to meet sport-relevant safety standards.

Proper Technique

            As with any sport or form of exercise, your execution is always vital. This is why if someone isn’t using proper technique, it can lead to minor and major injuries alike. Take for example weightlifting, such as deadlifts. Very useful exercises when done properly, but if you attempt them with bad form, not only will you not see results, but you can easily do serious damage to your back and legs. This rings true in all sports.

            For concussions as a focus, there are more ways than most as an injury, as there are numerous ways bad form can lead to head trauma; a goalkeeper in soccer who doesn’t learn to dive properly may end up crashing headfirst into someone’s leg, a member of the defense in football who doesn’t know how to block can easily clash heads with another player, a track runner who doesn’t know how to jump hurdles properly can easily trip and slam their head. The importance of technique cannot be understated when talking about avoiding injury.

Fair Play

            Rule enforcement by officials and sporting organizers is another important factor in keeping safety a priority for the participants. Those in charge of sporting events and recreation must ensure that regulations are always enforced, and that dangerous behavior and acts are unacceptable in the game. IHU suggests that “Encouraging sportsmanship and fair play can reduce aggressive or reckless behaviors that lead to head injuries.”

Signs of Injury

            According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), “More than half of the concussions in the United States are ignored—in large part because it isn’t always easy to tell the difference between a minor head injury and a serious one.” This is why recognizing symptoms of a potential concussion is crucial is not only caring for someone who’s injured, but keeping an injury from developing further damage.

            There are a number of symptoms to pay attention for as a sign of someone who has been concussed, such as the following:

·         Headaches or a feeling of pressure in your head.

·         Neck pain.

·         Balance problems / dizziness

·         Lightheadedness.

·         Nausea and vomiting.

·         Double vision

·         Blurred vision

·         Sensitivity to light

·         Tinnitus

·         Hyperacusis

·         Temporary loss of consciousness

·         Amnesia / Confusion

·         Inability to Focus

·         Disrupted Sleep Patterns

·         Anxiety / Depression

·         Mood Swings

Injury Care

            Treatment for a concussion comes in several forms and depends on the severity of the injury. It’s also why recognizing the symptoms we spoke of previously are incredibly important. According to ASHA, “56% of people think that you must hit your head to sustain a concussion—when, in reality, a concussion can occur even after just a jolt to the body.” They also suggest that if the present symptoms include a loss of consciousness, seizures, or slurred speech, the injured person needs to be taken to the emergency immediately.

            Even if the severity doesn’t seem serious or life threatening, the injured person should still be checked out by a primary care doctor, hospital, or urgent care center as soon as possible. The medical provider may also send for some further tests if they deem necessary, such as sending them to a speech pathologist, or an audiologist.

            Making sure a proper recovery period is allowed is also vital. Much like giving your muscles time to recover after breaking them down with exercise, a head injury needs a good amount of time to fully recover. Until that period of sitting out from sports is over, the injured person should refrain from any sporting activities their medical provider says to. As ASHA states, “Returning to normal activity too soon after a concussion can worsen symptoms—and even lengthen recovery time. Taking action means not only getting help but also taking time away from work, school, sports, or other activities to give the brain its needed rest. It’s important to complete the treatment plan and seek recommended follow-up care as directed to maximize recovery and return to normal life.”