Recognizing and Treating Concussions

In recent years, concussions have come to the forefront of athletic safety discussions, and rightfully so. A recent study by the journal Neurology revealed that former National Football League players were four times more likely than men their age who did not play to die of Alzheimer's or Lou Gehrig's disease. Furthermore, the study also determined that players in speed positions such as quarterbacks and running backs were three times more likely to develop neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Lou Gehrig's disease than their teammates in non-speed-related positions.

This recent study adds to the mounting evidence that head injuries can be dangerous and have long-lasting and sometimes fatal effects, which is why the role of safety on and off the field has become increasingly important. 

This school year, it’s important to understand the signs, symptoms and severity of concussions so that you can keep players and students safe from injury.

Symptoms of a Concussion
Although the symptoms of a concussion are usually the same no matter what type of concussion a person suffers from, the severity of these symptoms can vary for each individual.

“Just as every person is unique, so are concussions,” explains Cynthia Simonds, Psy. D, and Director of Bryn Mawr Rehab Psychology Associates, Main Line Health. “The myriad of symptoms will differ in severity, frequency and duration for each individual.”

If you’ve witnessed a player or child fall or hit their head, keep an eye out for any combination of the following symptoms, which could signal a concussion:

• Headache
• Excessive fatigue or sleepiness
• Vision issues (blurry or double vision, discomfort)
• Dizziness, motion sickness, or balance issues
• Cognitive symptoms (amnesia, decreased attention, difficult problem solving)
• Emotional symptoms (irritability, sadness/depression, anxiety, anger)
• Ringing in the ears

If you see someone exhibit any of these symptoms following a head injury, take them out of the game or bring them inside for a break and call your doctor.

“If an athlete shows signs of a concussion, they need to be pulled out of the game immediately for further evaluation and monitoring. Athletes who exhibit symptoms shouldn't return to play and need to be medically cleared by a qualified concussion specialist before they can return to play,” says Dr. Simonds.

Treatment and Effects
If your player or child does end up suffering a concussion, rest is best. Be sure to keep them out of over-stimulating environments, especially those with bright lights or loud noises. That means that, in the days following an injury, it’s best to put the cell phone and computer away for a couple of days and, if necessary, take time off from school or work. Giving your brain time to heal from its literal shake-up will allow them to get back to normal faster.

Short-term side effects of a concussion will typically improve over the first week, but you may continue to notice symptoms, like headache, fatigue or slow mental processing for even longer. Athletes or students with post-concussion syndrome often require ongoing monitoring and treatment by qualified professionals before they can be gradually returned to school and sports. Every efforts is made to return athletes to their sport. However, there are instances when an athlete should not return to the game. Athletes with multiple concussions are at a greater risk for additional concussive brain injuries. Returning athletes too soon following an initial impact can be extremely dangerous and result in second impact syndrome.

“Second impact syndrome is a serious condition that results when an injured brain sustains a second concussive brain injury within a very short period of time,” Dr. Simonds explains. “A second injury can be more dangerous, and result in massive brain swelling that leads to death or very serious disabilities.”

If your player isn’t ready to be back on the field, keep them out of all physical activities that could put them at risk for a head injury, including practices and scrimmages. The severity and long-term effects of concussions are most serious when an injury is not given time to heal. Remember: when in doubt, keep them out.

If you or someone you know has previously suffered from a concussion or sustained a head injury, talk to your doctor to make sure you are safe during any athletic or recreational activities.