Multiple untreated concussions and their longterm effects have been painted in red across the media more and more frequently within the past 5 years as knowledge slowly seeps out to the general public. While concussions are likely to occur as a result of a motor vehicle accident, the most prevalent cause is from athletics, and although new rules and regulations are introduced almost every year to increase prevention in contact sports across the globe, no amount of padding in a helmet can prevent a concussion. Therefore, as spring sports start up again within the next couple of weeks and tournament season starts for winter sports, athletes and their loved ones alike being informed on what to look for and what to expect is the best way to prevent further injury, and longterm effects.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 200,000 people in the United States suffer concussions while playing sports every year. Concussions occur most commonly in a wide range of sports and affect all athletes, from professional players to little leaguers. However, they are also prevalent in motor vehicle accidents, as well, as a result of whiplash. Car accidents can lead to many injuries that seem "bigger" than a concussion, so it is vital that loved ones close to the victim keep a close eye on their neurological responses as they recover from an accident.
Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries, and sports concussion has become a significant problem. Recognizing concussion and providing proper treatment is especially important for younger athletes because it typically takes them longer than adults to fully recover.
In addition, coaches, parents, and school administrators must be aware that concussion causes a wide range of symptoms and can interfere not only with sports participation, but with school and social relationships. Most athletes will fully recover from concussion, and understanding the varied symptoms can help with the healing process.
Description
Despite many attempts by experts, there is no clear definition of concussion. It is uncertain whether any damage to the brain occurs from a concussion. Imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, typically do not detect any brain damage — such as bruising or bleeding — in concussion patients.
A concussion does, however, temporarily impair how the brain functions and processes information. For example, after a concussion, a patient may have difficulty with balance and coordination, memory, and speech.
A concussion is typically short-lived. Most people recover within 7 to 10 days. Unfortunately, once an athlete has sustained a concussion, he or she is at greater risk for additional concussions. Repeat concussions can have long-term consequences, so prevention is essential. Most professional teams now have a 2-4 week timeframe before a player can even be considered to be pulled off the injured list, and many high schools in the Kansas City area have at least a 2 week benched timeframe. This may vary based on the severity of the concussion received, and the duration of symptoms following.
Cause
Derived from the Latin word concusses, concussion means to shake violently. A concussion happens when a force causes the brain to rapidly move back and forth inside the skull. This may be caused by either a direct blow or by a blow to the body that forces the head to quickly rotate.
Although some sports have higher instances of concussion — such as football, ice hockey, and soccer — concussions can happen in any sport or recreational activity.
Symptoms
Because of the potential long-term consequences of sports concussion, it is important that athletes, coaches, and parents know as much as possible about how to recognize them.
Symptoms are not always obvious. Although it is commonly assumed that concussions cause loss of consciousness, many people with concussions have not been "knocked out."
Concussion causes a variety of symptoms. These may appear right away, or may be delayed for several days after the injury. Some symptoms are physical, such as drowsiness. Others are cognitive, like memory loss. In many cases, people with concussions are more emotional than usual.
The most common symptoms of concussion include:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Balance problems, dizziness
- Difficulty speaking and communicating
- Depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in sleep patterns
Doctor Examination
During the evaluation, your doctor will ask questions about the injury and how it occurred. He or she may ask how severe the force was and whether you lost consciousness or had memory loss after the blow. It is especially important that you tell your doctor about any previous concussions you have had.
Your doctor will most likely perform a neurological examination, which tests for balance, coordination, vision, hearing, and reflexes.
Neurological Examination.
Imaging Tests
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans provide doctors with detailed images of the skull and brain. As stated above, results from MRI scans and CT scans are most often normal in concussion patients, so these tests are not usually helpful in diagnosing the injury.
If the neurological examination indicates problems, such as trouble with your vision, your doctor will order imaging scans. Also, if your symptoms worsen over time, CT and MRI scans are important for guiding treatment.
Neuropsychological Assessment
Neuropsychological testing helps to measure the effects of concussion on mental capabilities. This kind of assessment can be done using computerized tests, or during a session with a neuropsychologist.
The testing provides valuable information on a range of mental functions, such as short-term and long-term memory, attention and concentration, problem-solving, and speech.
Balance Assessment
Many athletes are unsteady on their feet for several days following a concussion. Balance testing is a way for doctors to assess how well the part of the brain that controls movement is functioning.
There are several balance tests your doctor might use, as well as more sophisticated force plate technology. Force plates are instruments that measure the forces of stepping, running, jumping and other actions. They are typically rectangle-shaped and may be used in a stand-alone device, or inserted in machines that resemble exercise equipment, like treadmills or stair steppers.
Treatment
The key to healing from a concussion is complete rest. This includes not just physical rest, but mental rest, as well. Reading, computer work, video games — even television — should be limited until all symptoms have resolved. This typically takes 7 to 10 days, although some people have symptoms for weeks or months after the injury.
Once you are free of symptoms, you can gradually return to physical and mental activity. It is important to slowly return to daily activities because being symptom-free does not mean the brain injury has fully healed. Your doctor may recommend a step-by-step program: first add an activity, then monitor your symptoms. If your symptoms do not return, you can continue increasing the challenges.
This slow, steady approach typically reduces the time spent away from school, work, and athletics because it provides enough time for the injury to heal. Diving back into activities as soon as your symptoms have resolved can bring them back on and require a return to complete rest.
Return to Play
Getting back into the game too soon puts you at risk for another concussion.
If you suffer a repeat concussion before your first concussion has healed, it may take much longer for your symptoms to resolve and you may have long-term problems, such as learning difficulties or chronic headaches. Although it rarely happens, repeat concussion can cause permanent brain damage and even death.
New Recommendations
In 2010, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that young athletes with concussions be evaluated and cleared by a doctor before returning to sports. The American Academy of Neurology issued a similar statement, and stressed that doctors who clear athletes for return to sports should be trained in managing and assessing sports concussions.
Baseline Evaluations
Because it is difficult to determine when a concussion has fully healed, baseline neurocognitive evaluation is an important tool for assessing whether it is safe for an athlete to return to play. Before the sports season starts, each athlete takes a computerized test that measures brain functions, such as memory and reaction time. If an athlete later has a concussion, post-injury tests can be compared to the baseline evaluation to measure the severity of the concussion and help doctors monitor healing.
In addition, pre-season evaluations can help identify athletes who have had previous, unrecognized concussions and who are at risk for repeat concussions. For example, past injuries to the face or neck may have been accompanied by an unrecognized concussion.
Prevention
Although injury prevention begins with proper equipment, there is no such thing as a concussion-proof helmet or mouthguard.
Young athletes must be trained in safe sports technique and to follow the rules of the game. In addition, rule changes should be considered in sports where force is delivered head first. This not only promotes fair play, but also protects both participants.
In order to get back into the game, most athletes will downplay their symptoms. Understanding the long lasting consequences of repeat concussion is an important part of prevention. Several medical and sports organizations have recently developed concussion awareness programs for athletes, coaches, and parents. These educational programs play a critical role in helping to recognize concussions and prevent repeat injury.