THE ATHLETE S GUIDE TO CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "THE ATHLETE S GUIDE TO CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT"

Mabel Barrett
5 years ago
Views:

1 THE ATHLETE S GUIDE TO CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

2 THE ATHLETE S GUIDE TO CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT Table of Contents Introduction...3 What is a Concussion?...4 How Do I Know If I Have a Concussion?...4 Concussion Diagnosis...5 Recovery...7 Prevention...8 Common Myths About Concussions...10 Summary

3 A concussion is a very serious injury that frequently occurs during high-impact sports and other rigorous physical activity. It is important for athletes and their families to understand the severity of a concussion and how to manage the situation should one occur. In this e-book, you ll learn: What is a concussion Symptoms of a concussion How a concussion is diagnosed How to recover from a concussion Preventing a concussion Common myths about concussions 3

4 WHAT IS A CONCUSSION? A concussion is a brain injury that alters the way the brain functions. It can occur after a blow to the head or body from contact with the ground, a ball, another player, or another object. A concussion and its symptoms can vary significantly from one athlete to another. The severity of the injury depends on many factors and is usually not fully realized until symptoms resolve and brain function returns to normal. HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A CONCUSSION? If you received a blow to the head, you may have suffered a concussion. Most concussions occur without a loss of consciousness. Also be aware symptoms can continue to develop for the first hours after sustaining the injury. If the patient is experiencing the following symptoms, he or she could be dealing with a concussion: Headache Loss of consciousness Confusion Double or fuzzy vision Dizziness Balance problems Nausea Slow reaction time Amnesia Difficulty concentrating Sensitivity to light and sound Feeling sluggish, foggy, or groggy Feeling emotional Irritability Sleep disturbances 4

5 CONCUSSION DIAGNOSIS If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate a possible concussion, your physician or certified athletic trainer can determine if you have actually suffered the injury. However, it can be a challenge to diagnose a concussion because there is no single test that can determine whether someone has a concussion. When diagnosing a concussion, multiple variables are taken into consideration, including physical symptoms, difficulty with balance, and decreased cognitive function. If you have symptoms indicative of a concussion, your physician may perform the following tests: Neurological Exam Your doctor will perform a neurological examination if you have concussion symptoms. This exam includes checking your vision, hearing, strength, sensation, balance, coordination, and reflexes. Cognitive Testing Cognitive testing may be performed to evaluate your way of thinking and to examine your memory, concentration, and ability to recall information. Imaging Tests Your doctor may order brain imaging if there is any concern that the head injury is more serious than a concussion. 5

A computerized tomography (CT) scan is a series of X-rays that obtains detailed, cross-sectional images of the skull, brain, and other structures in the body.

6 A computerized tomography (CT) scan is a series of X-rays that obtains detailed, cross-sectional images of the skull, brain, and other structures in the body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that uses a powerful magnetic field, radio-frequency pulses, and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the brain and other internal structures in order to rule out a more serious condition. 6

7 RECOVERY With a brain injury, it is important to minimize brain activity as much as possible. Rest is the best way to recover from a concussion, both physically and mentally. Participating in activities that stimulate the brain can prolong and worsen any symptoms, so it s best to relax somewhere quiet for a day or two while your injury begins to heal. Avoid these activities when recovering from a concussion: Physical Activity It cannot be stressed enough that if you have suffered a blow to the head, you should NOT return to playing sports. Playing through a concussion will only worsen your symptoms and prolong the amount of time it takes to recover and return to your sport of choice. If you suffer another head injury before you have fully healed from the first one, it can lead to a life-threatening condition known as second impact syndrome. It is best to avoid all forms of physical activity while you are symptomatic. Your brain is arguably the most essential organ you have, so it is critically important to protect it from further injury. When repetitive brain injuries are not managed promptly and properly, they may lead to permanent damage to the brain. 7

8 Taking Medication It is crucial that you do not use aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs because they can increase your risk of bleeding. Tylenol, or acetaminophen, can be taken to help alleviate headache pain. Cognitive Function Participating in activities such as reading, texting, video games, or using the Internet strains the brain and may prolong symptoms. PREVENTION While you cannot totally eliminate the risk of concussion during rigorous physical activity, there are steps you can take to minimize your chances of sustaining an injury. Education It is important to be well-educated when it comes to concussions, so you will be prepared if you or someone you know happens to suffer this dangerous injury. Your certified athletic trainer should also be able to provide you with all the information you need, and if you are unsure about a concussion or its symptoms, always be sure to ask your physician. Proper Technique When you are participating in sports and physical activity, it is important to demonstrate the proper technique when tackling or performing various moves. If you do not use the proper technique, you are putting your whole body at a greater risk for injury. 8

All sports equipment must fit properly and be wellmaintained.

9 Protective Gear While there is no one piece of equipment that will absolutely prevent concussions, it is still important to wear the correct padding and gear to protect yourself from injury as best as you can. All sports equipment must fit properly and be wellmaintained. Check equipment frequently to make sure it is not worn, and replace it when necessary so that it can continue to provide protection effectively. 9

10 COMMON MYTHS ABOUT CONCUSSIONS There are many misconceptions about concussions that still exist today. Here we will discuss the common myths to be aware of. You should not sleep when you have a concussion. Some people believe that sleeping when you have a concussion could be dangerous, but sleep is actually necessary for the brain to recover and heal from the injury. In addition, drowsiness and fatigue are common symptoms of a concussion, so it is helpful to allow the patient to fall asleep and have the healing process begin. You lose consciousness when you get a concussion. Losing consciousness is not necessarily an indicator of concussion. Only about ten percent of concussions involve the loss of consciousness. The harder someone is hit, the worse the concussion is. It does not always take a lot of impact to cause a concussion, sometimes the rapid movement is the reason for the injury. Any contact to the head or body that causes this type of rapid head movement can result in concussion. Concussion rates are the same for male and female athletes. In any given sport where males and females both participate, such as soccer, females have a higher incidence rate of concussion. The reason is unclear, but there are biomechanical, structural, and neuromuscular differences that may play a part in the risk of concussion. 10

11 SUMMARY If you have recently suffered a blow to the head or body and are experiencing symptoms such as drowsiness, dizziness, headache, or nausea, you may be dealing with a concussion. It is important to contact your physician or your certified athletic trainer and be properly evaluated for concussion as soon as possible. Premier Orthopaedics specializes in concussion management and features a concussion program to educate and assist athletes, parents, and coaches in the proper identification and management of concussions. They also utilize a neurocognitive assessment tool and comprehensive management services that allow certified physicians to guide the patient to recovery. For comprehensive and dedicated care, click here to set up a consultation with a physician from Premier Orthopaedics and get back on the road to recovery. 11

SPRINGFIELD CLINIC S

SPRINGFIELD CLINIC S HEAD INJURY MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR PARENTS Given the complexities of concussion management, Springfield Clinic recognizes the importance of managing concussions on an individualized