Sports are one of the highlights of the school year for youth. Football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling and many more, are all sports which youth of all ages look forward to during the school year. However, with sports or any activity, youth are subject to the risk of receiving a concussion.
Concussions are a type of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in which the brain makes contact with the skull, or moves in an unusual fashion. This can be caused by any type of activity but are typically caused by any hard contact to the head. Indirect contact with the head (such as a blow to the body) can cause the brain to move in an unusual fashion within the skull- which can result in a concussion.
Although typically known as a mild form of TBI, concussions can have a serious effect on an individual and should not be overlooked. Every concussion is different and will affect an individual in different ways. However, some of the most common signs of a concussion are:
· Dizziness
· Nausea or vomiting
· Sensitivity to light and sound
· Difficulty focusing
· Memory loss before or after event
· Slurred or stuttered speech
· Confusion or feel as though one is in a fog
· Fatigued or feeling slowed down
· Increased irritability
· More emotional
· Headache or pressure in head
· Temporary loss of consciousness
· Slow cognitive processing
Sports, or other physical activities, are the perfect environment for concussions to occur. Being mindful of safety protocols and guidelines in terms of proper sports equipment, training drill and exercises, sportsmanship, and rules of the game can optimize safety and decrease the occurrence of concussions. In the event of a suspected concussion, the individual should see a medical provider immediately to provide diagnosis and optimize recovery.
Concussions are a very serious concern especially for youth involved in sports. If you or anyone you know is experiencing concussion related symptoms, please call the Murray County Medical Center at (507) 836-6111. With our rehabilitation and therapy services, we can provide you with expert care to help you get back to the game of life.