Don’t play around with concussions. A form of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), concussion is unfortunately an all too common —and dangerous— injury for all athletes. According to the CDC, more than 10% of contact sport athletes sustain concussions yearly.
Concussions can happen in any sport or recreational activity, and the signs are not always obvious. One can result from even a mild bump to the head or indirect blow to the body. Loss of consciousness, which is so often associated with the injury, does not always occur. In fact, 90% of people who have a concussion do not lose consciousness. While some symptoms are instant, others may develop slowly over hours or days.
Concussion.Org reports that 40% of athletes with concussions return to play before they should, putting them at additional risk.
Children and teens are more likely to get a concussion and take longer to recover than adults. Multiple concussions also have a bigger impact on the developing brains of youths, especially if the individual has not healed fully from subsequent injuries.
You may not be able to see a concussion, but the signs and symptoms are not invisible.
Immediate Signs of Concussion
- Disorientation or confusion
- Vomiting
- Amnesia
- Loss of consciousness
Delayed Symptoms of Concussion
- Headache/pressure in the head
- Pupil dilation
- Migraine
- Cognitive problems
- Dizziness/motion sensitivity
- Mental fog
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or feeling sluggish
- Changes in mood or behavior
Get a game plan.
We’ve discussed before the risks of “walking off “ injuries. Concussions are serious conditions that should never be ignored. Seeking medical attention right away by a qualified healthcare professional is vital to preventing long-term damage.
Head’s Up: CDC Concussion Resources for Coaches and Parents
Keeping athletes of all ages in the game is always a win for our Sports Medicine and Orthopedic providers. We offer a dedicated team and full lineup of care, including Pre-participation Sports Physicals and two Urgent Care Clinics for all non life-threatening orthopedic and sports injuries.
