Sports Concussions

A concussion is a brain injury that is caused by a bump, a blow to the head or a blow to the body that may cause the head and neck to move in what is commonly called a whiplash motion. It can be serious, even if it felt like a minor incident. Knowing the symptoms of a concussion and steps for prevention can help you stay off the bench and in the game.

Our concussion management team offers information to athletes, parents, coaches and educators on concussion awareness and prevention. Our clinicians work closely with school athletic trainers to monitor symptoms with tools that provide objective data. The health system uses both the Sway and the ImPACT testing systems when working with student athletes who play contact sports. The Sway system is an app that can be downloaded onto the athlete’s phone. It can track balance and cognitive symptoms such as memory, reaction time and visual processing. The ImPACT test is completed in a more standard testing format and can measure these same variables, except for balance. These tools, along with feedback from the athlete, the athletic trainer and the comprehensive evaluation, including physical examination done in the physician’s office, help ensure the athlete is getting a thorough assessment prior to returning to play. It also helps to avoid more severe problems that can occur if an athlete returns to a sport too soon after a head injury.

• Balance problems or dizziness
• Bothered by light
• Bothered by noise
• Confusion
• Difficulty paying attention
• Does not "feel right"
• Double or blurry vision
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
• Headache or pressure in head
• Memory problems
• Nausea or vomiting

We encourage all student athletes to report symptoms of a concussion to their parents, coaches and athletic trainers.

A concussion needs time to heal. Management differs depending on the level of severity. These steps may be included:

• Rest your mind.
• Prevent reinjury.
• Ask a responsible adult to observe you.
• Do not take medicines without your doctor's permission.
• Eat nutritious foods, and drink plenty of water.
• Rest your body.
• Consult with physician specialists.

Research suggests that those who are not fully recovered from a concussion are significantly vulnerable for recurrent, cumulative and even catastrophic consequences of a second concussion. The best way to manage a concussion is to seek medical care promptly by a trained concussion medical specialist.

Every sport is different, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

• Follow your coach's rules for safety and the rules of the sport.
• Practice good sportsmanship at all times.
• Use the proper sports equipment, including personal protective equipment. In order for equipment to protect you, it must be the right equipment for the game, position or activity, and it must be worn correctly and fit well. You must also use it every time you play.