Preventing Concussions in Young Athletes: March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

By Dawn Tortajada, MSN,RN, PNP-BC, Pediatric Trauma Program Manager, Maureen Sharlow, Concussion Center Outreach Coordinator, RWJUH Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center Injury Prevention Program

It can happen to anyone. Traumatic brain injury (TBI), knows no age. It can happen to active athletes and youth who do not participate in sports, as well as adolescents, adults and the elderly. A bad fall, sports-related injury, motor vehicle crash, or being struck by an object, can all result in traumatic brain injury. An estimated 2.4 million children and adults in the U.S. sustain a TBI each year, and more than 5.3 million live with a lifelong disability as a result of the injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The scariest part about a concussion is that you can’t see it. Signs and symptoms can show up right after the injury takes place, or may not be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. As a parent, athlete or sports coach, it is important to educate yourself about concussions to help recognize, respond to and minimize the risk of concussion or other forms of brain injuries. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and this concussion education can be your guide.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

Persons at risk for concussion may include those who have had a fall, bump or blow to the head from any activity such as sports play/practice, car/bicycle crash, or any injury involving a blow to the head, face or high-impact to the body. It does not take a direct impact to the head or face to sustain a concussion. Look for any of the following signs and symptoms of a concussion:

· Loss of consciousness (even briefly)

· Dazed or stunned

· Inability to maintain a coherent stream of thought

· Is unsure of game, score or opponent

· Moves clumsily

· Answers questions slowly

· Shows mood, behavior or personality changes

Ongoing symptoms that may be reported by a person who experienced a concussion may include:

· Headache or “pressure” in head

· Memory loss

· Nausea or vomiting

· Balance problems or dizziness

· Double or blurry vision

· Sensitivity to light

· Ringing ears or sensitivity to noise

· Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy

· Concentration or memory problems

· Confusion

· Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down”

What should you do if you think your child has a concussion?

· DANGEROUS SYMPTOMS (seek immediate medical attention for the following):

o Loss of consciousness

o Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation

o Unequal pupil size

o Seizure

o Repeated vomiting

o Slurred speech, weakness, numbness or decreased coordination

o Drowsiness or inability to wake up

o Worsening of headache

o Toddlers & Infants: will not stop crying and is not consoled; will not nurse or eat

· Seek medical attention. A health care professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child to return to regular activities, including sports.

· Rest is vital. Under the direction of a physician, avoid physical exertion, electronics, social media, meetings and practice until the signs and symptoms have subsided and your loved one has clearance from the physician.

· If your child is an athlete and a concussion is suspected, immediately remove the child from play for the reminder of the game. A second concussion on the same day may lead to “Second Impact Syndrome,” which is a life-threatening brain injury that results in death.

· Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your child return to play the day of the injury and until a health care professional gives them clearance. Children returning to play too soon, while the brain is still healing, risk a greater chance of having prolonged symptoms of concussion.

· Tell the coach should know if your child had a previous concussion.

· Many children who sustain one concussion have a greater risk of sustaining a subsequent one. It is imperative to have full recovery prior to returning to academics and activities.

Parents, teachers, coaches and athletes need to be trained and educated on prevention techniques and the signs and symptoms of concussions to assure appropriate management and to minimize the risk of serious and long-term effects. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital has a variety of resources available for training, education, and clinical care. For more information, please email Maureen.sharlow@rwjuh.edu or visit www.rwjuh.edu. You can also visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.