Do I Need to Be Worried About Concussions?

The Bears are getting ready to take-on the Packers on Thursday which means football frenzy is in full swing. Though baseball is considered America’s favorite pastime, I think football really holds most of our hearts. Still, there has been some controversy when it comes to this contact sport and much of it revolves around concussions.

Concussions happen as a result of a traumatic brain injury that causes a disruption of the brain function. Here at Loyola we have a multidisciplinary team that works together to address kids and adults who present with concussion symptoms. We work closely with our neurology colleagues to ensure athletes receive the medical care they need.

Concussion can be extremely dangerous leading to long-term effects including learning disabilities and other neurological issues that can impact quality of life. Concussions should always be taken seriously. Even if the head injury seems minor, a player should be taken out of the game immediately and evaluated by a medical professional within 24 hours.

Concussion symptoms vary and don’t always appear right away. Some symptoms may happen immediately and others can take a few days to show-up so don’t take any changes.

Symptoms to be on the lookout for are:

• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Loss of consciousness
• Memory loss
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Balance problems, dizziness
• Difficulty speaking and communicating
• Depression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in sleep patterns

The key to healing from a concussion is rest. That means physical as well as mental rest. Computer time, watching TV, video games and even reading should be limited for 7-10 days and it may take longer for some. Adults often recover faster than kids from concussions. Once a person is symptom free they should gradually get back into physical and mental activities. Just because the symptoms are gone doesn’t mean the injury has healed. Getting back into activities too fast puts a person at greater risk of a repeat concussion.

Concussions are brain injuries that can lead to long-term neurological implications. I agree with my pediatric neurology colleague Ryan Coates, MD, who says, “A child’s brain function is more important than the next play.”

Loyola University Health System sports medicine physicians are dedicated to enhancing sports performance and getting people back in the game. Each season an LUHS sports medicine expert from our facility in Burr Ridge will offer tips to keep you safe and active. Dr. Pietro Tonino, MD, is the director of the Sports Medicine program for Loyola University Health System and is a professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. He has extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries both in male and female athletes and prevention strategies for ACL injuries.