Concussion has been a hot topic in the news recently. This summer, professional football players initiated a lawsuit against the NFL, claiming the league hid information that linked football-related head trauma to permanent brain injuries. NFL players are meeting with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps to discuss concussions, equipment (particularly helmet technology), treatment and the need to be open with teammates or fellow soldiers who might be injured and are trying to hide or ignore it.

There is a high risk of concussion among players of contact sports such as football, hockey and soccer. The risk increases when there is a lack of supervision and proper safety equipment. Other causes are a motor vehicle crash, military combat, physical abuse and falling (especially young children and older adults).

Studies show most contact sports players receive concussions during practice and not during games. Pop Warner, the nonprofit organization that sponsors the largest youth football, dance and cheerleading programs in the world, revised its fundamental guidelines for football, reducing player contact in practice to decrease the risk of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. Champions for girls’ field hockey, soccer and basketball are also expressing concern about concussion.

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head that can change the way the brain works. Concussion can occur from a fall, a blast from an explosion or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth, such as violent shaking. Even what seems to be a mild bump to the head can be serious.

The brain is soft and gelatinous; it is cushioned by spinal fluid and encased in the hard, protective skull. The inside of the skull is rough, sharp and rigid. During a head injury, the brain moves around inside the skull and bangs against it, which can cause bruising of the brain, tearing of blood vessels and injury to nerves.

Symptoms of concussion include headache; irritability and other changes in behavior; problems remembering or concentrating; dizziness or lack of coordination; fatigue; problems sleeping; and changes in vision, hearing or smell. If you have severe symptoms or trouble functioning, seek medical help immediately. Concussions usually cannot be detected with imaging tests. In some cases, the effects go away within a few days. In others, symptoms continue six months or longer.

Most concussions do not result in a loss of consciousness. Because of this, some people do not realize they have a concussion. Every concussion injures your brain to some extent. Most are mild, and people usually recover, but the injury needs time and rest to heal properly.

Potential complications include epilepsy, cumulative effects of multiple brain injuries and second-impact syndrome. People who have a concussion double their risk of developing epilepsy within the first five years after the injury. Multiple concussive brain injuries may result in lasting, even progressive, impairment to the functions of daily living. Experiencing a second concussion before the first has healed can cause rapid and fatal brain swelling. Athletes and combat soldiers should not return to sports or combat duty while experiencing symptoms of concussion.

A person should never be left alone after a concussion. Watch closely for problems during the first 48 hours. Check with a doctor before taking any medications; do not take aspirin. Place a cold, damp washcloth on the head to reduce headache. Eat light, clear liquids such as water, broth or gelatin. Do not drink alcohol. For the first day or two, do not sleep for long periods without being checked for alertness every two hours. Ask your health care provider when it is all right to sleep through the night.

Call 911 if a person with a concussion will not wake up or has seizures; vomiting; clear or bloody drainage from the nose or ears; constant drowsiness or trouble waking up; confusion or memory loss; blurred vision; trouble walking, talking or concentrating; increased weakness or problems with coordination; constant headache that cannot be relieved or worsens; or changes in behavior or personality.

It is vital to take good care of yourself after a concussion. Be patient because healing takes time. Only when symptoms have greatly reduced should you gradually return to activities of daily living. If your symptoms come back or you experience new symptoms as you become more active, you are pushing too hard. Stop these activities and take more time to rest and recover.

Reduce The Risk

Wear a helmet (children and adults) when

• riding a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile or ATV
• skiing or snowboarding
• using inline skates or a skateboard
• playing a contact sport
• batting/running bases in baseball/softball
• riding a horse

In the car

• Always wear a seat belt
• Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Buckle children in the proper car seat, booster seat or seat belt

For children

• Install guards on windows
• Install gates at the top and bottom of stairs
• Use shock-absorbing material (mulch or sand) for playgrounds

For older adults

• Improve lighting
• Remove tripping hazards (throw rugs, clutter)
• Install non-slip mats and grab bars in bathrooms
• Install handrails on both sides of stairs
• Improve strength and balance with exercise

Centers for Disease Control

The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.