Know the signs of concussion
Any blow to the head, neck, face, or even the torso, has the potential to cause a concussion. They occur too frequently in contact/collision sports. As children go back to school this fall, it’s a good time for parents and coaches to review the signs and symptoms of a concussion, especially for football, hockey, soccer, basketball, cheerleading and wrestling.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury from a collision or a fall, caused by the brain shaking and twisting within the skull. It results in an injury at the cellular level that is not visible on a CT scan or MRI.
Every concussion is different. This means that the variety, severity and duration of symptoms differ greatly from person to person. Early evaluation and management of a concussion results in quicker recovery. It also helps to protect from further injury, which could greatly intensify the already present symptoms.
“Returning to physical activity too soon after a concussion can be detrimental,” said Michael Owens, MD, medical director of the Powers Health Concussion Clinic. “It can prolong recovery and increase the risk of serious complications.”
It is important to identify a concussion and start appropriate care and treatment as soon as possible after the injury.
A headache is the most common symptom, but a concussion also may cause dizziness and difficulty with balance, visual changes, light and sound sensitivity, mental fogginess, difficulty concentrating and remembering, and sleep issues. On occasion, symptoms will take as long as two days to develop. As soon as a concussion is suspected, though, the affected athlete should be removed from play and be evaluated medically by an athletic trainer on the sideline, if available and at the Powers Health Concussion Clinic as soon as possible. Serious symptoms, such as worsening headache, vomiting, loss of vision and decreasing consciousness, require immediate evaluation at a hospital emergency room to rule out an injury more severe than a concussion.
The concussion experts at the Powers Health Concussion Clinic provide high-quality, compassionate care to help restore health after a concussion. They use a variety of diagnostic tools to evaluate an individual suspected of a concussion. Then, the team will create an individualized plan of care for your child’s recovery and collaborate with his or her other physicians and rehabilitation specialists, if necessary, to help with a successful return to school and sports.
For more information or to request an appointment, call 219-836-4461.
