Concussions
What is a concussion?
A concussion is an injury to the brain that causes temporary interference with your brain’s normal functioning. A violent blow to the head, such as can be sustained in a car accident or a sports collision, can cause the brain to hit off the inside of the skull resulting in bleeding and the tearing of nerve fibers. It can affect memory, vision, speech, coordination, balance, judgment, and reflexes and does NOT always result in a loss of consciousness. A concussion is a serious injury and must be treated as such!
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
Symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and can vary from person to person and day to day. Common symptoms include:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Ringing in the ears
• Memory and concentration lapses/difficulties
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Mood disturbance – irritability, fatigue, feeling “out of it”
• Sleep disturbances
What to do if you suspect you have sustained a concussion
REPORT IT! See your athletic trainer, nurse, or a sports physician to be evaluated for signs and symptoms of a concussion. Follow their recommendations and do not return to activity until all symptoms have resolved and you have been cleared by a physician. Following clearance, return to play will be a gradual process. Returning to activity too soon and sustaining another concussion can lead to more serious and detrimental consequences.