What Are Concussions?
Concussions are a serious injury that can have life time implications. Typically concussions are caused by any quick movement that causes your brain to rapidly move in your head
According to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention some of the signs ands symptoms of concussions include.
Signs
- Appears dazed or stunned.
- Forgets an instruction and is confused about an assignment or position.
Source: Wikipedia - Unsure of the game, score or opponent.
- Moves clumsily
- Answers questions slowly
- Loses consciousness (even briefly)
- Shows mood, behaviour, or personality changes.
Symptoms.
- Headache or “pressure” in head.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Balance problem or dizziness, double or blurry vision
- Botherd by light or noise .
- Feeling sluggish, hazy or foggy or groggy
- Confusion or concentration or memory problems
- Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down”
Some of the sports that have the highest rate of traumatic brain injuries are: Boxing, Soccer, Hockey, Rugby and Basketball
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information 94% of the majority of concussions which amount to 17,000 total each year are a result of playing sports.
How To Diagnose A Concussion?
For many doctors it is hard to diagnose a concussion because the symptoms are not clear.
No two concussions are the same.
A doctor that is trained in diagnosing and managing concussions will need to perform a detailed exam and cognitive test. This will help them tell what the grade and severity of the concussion is.
During the concussion exam the doctor will check
- Hearing
- Vision
- Reflexes
- Balance and Coordination
- Memory
- Attention Span
Marc Savard
Concussions can be career ending for some athletes like Marc Savard, Eric Lindros and Mike Tyson.
However players like Brendan Mori continue to play the games they love while instructing and helping future generations.
How To Treat A Concussion?
Since one of the symptoms of concussions are headaches many doctors will recommend over the counter pain relievers like Advil, and Tylenol in order to help you get back on your feet.
A mild concussion may involve no loss of consciousness (feeling dazed) or a very brief loss of consciousness.
Bed rest, fluids, and a mild pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be prescribed.
Some treatments for concussions might include rest. This is a good way to allow your brain to recover from a concussion.
You have to avoid activities that increase any of your symptoms, such as general physical exertion, sports or any vigorous movements, until these activities no longer provoke your symptoms.
Avoid activities that require thinking and mental concentration This includes playing video games, watching tv, school work, reading, texting or using a computer, if these activities trigger your symptoms or worsen them.
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