Heads Up: Concussions Can Be Serious

While an open field football tackle or a shove into the boards in hockey is part of the game, it can give players a headache. Literally. Sports collisions put athletes at high-risk for injury, particularly concussions.

Concussions occur when a blow to the head disrupts normal brain function. A moving object, such as a hockey puck, or indirect contact like whiplash or hitting one’s head on the ice may cause concussion. Symptoms include confusion, loss of consciousness, memory loss, headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, impaired concentration, mood changes and nausea.

Determining Serious Injury
Determining the severity of a concussion is very difficult. Medical personnel must rely on symptoms and other athletes, coaches or parents to piece together how the injury occurred and whether the athlete lost consciousness.

Most athletes don't lose consciousness. However, they can show signs of confusion. Simple questions such as: "Where are you?" and "What period is this?" may determine the presence of concussion. Players may forget what happened during play and events just prior to injury. If an athlete is unconscious, coaches should call 911 and closely monitor the athlete. Coaches should avoid moving the athlete, who may have injury to the upper neck. Evaluators should determine that no other injuries have occurred. Pain in the neck and back, abnormal or deficient sensations in the arms and legs, bruising around the eyes or behind the ears are among the signs of a more serious injury, such as a skull fracture or spinal injury.

Once serious injury is ruled out, athletes can leave the field with assistance. Medical personnel will complete a neurological exam, assessing muscle function and strength, sensation, gait, balance and cognition.

Athletes Who “Black out” Should Stay Out
Any athlete who has lost consciousness, continues to exhibit symptoms or is apprehensive about playing, should not return to the game. While severity of symptoms will vary, the athlete should be monitored until they resolve. If symptoms worsen, the individual should be evaluated by a physician immediately. Some concussions may not trigger symptoms for up to one month following injury.

Athletes suffering several concussions risk impaired brain function. An injured athlete who returns to competition too quickly risks "second impact syndrome." When a second injury occurs before the symptoms of the first have cleared, the combined injuries can increase pressure in the brain, leading to death.

Coaches, athletic trainers and parents should be aware of concussion symptoms and be notified immediately of on-field head injuries. Injured athletes should not be allowed to play until cleared by a physician.

For more information about concussion, call Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care at 952-460-4900.