What You Need to Know About Concussions in Sports
Concussions and concussion-related disorders pose a serious risk to all
types of athletes, from amateurs to professionals. They are linked to
short and long-term physical, emotional, and mental injuries. The issues
that many athletes face today could have been prevented if certain necessary
steps were taken following their injury, but many were, unfortunately,
failed and now live with the consequences of this failure. Continue reading
to learn more about concussions in sports.
What Should You Do Directly Following a Concussion?
Most people are able to fully recover from a concussion, but even if it
seems your blow to the head was minor, one of the first steps you should
take is a visit to your doctor. It is possible you can recover on your
own, but why would you want to roll the dice on your health? Seeing a
doctor can assuage any concerns you might have about your health and the
nature of your injury. A doctor will also be able to advise you on what
you should avoid during your recovery period to prevent any long-term damage.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rest
is one of the most vital steps a person can take in the aftermath of a
concussion. If you ignore your symptoms and try to immediately resume
your usual routine, you could worsen your symptoms. Healing takes time.
Heed the advice of your health care professional and gradually return to
your daily activities when your symptoms reduce significantly. If your
symptoms return after you resume your normal activities, or you experience
new symptoms, this is likely a sign you are pushing yourself too hard.
Allow yourself more time to fully recover and, if you begin to feel better,
ask your doctor if it is advisable for you to return to your routine.
How Do You Rest After a Concussion?
In addition to visiting your doctor and following all recommendations,
there are some general tips that are often conducive toward a better recovery.
- Get plenty of sleep at night, and make time for rest during the day.
- Avoid physically demanding activities, such as working out or heavy housecleaning.
- Avoid contact sports that might cause another concussion.
- Your ability to react might become slower in the aftermath of your concussion,
so ask your physician when it is safe to drive a car, ride a bike, or
operate heavy equipment.
- Ask your physician when you can expect to return to work.
- Consider reviewing your schedule with your employer to accommodate your
- Only take drugs that were approved by your physician.
- Do not drink any alcoholic beverages until your physician says it is safe
to do so. Alcohol can potentially slow your recovery and put you at risk
for further injury.
- You might have a difficult time focusing, so avoid multitasking, especially
when it comes to tasks that require your full attention.
- If you are in the midst of making important decisions, consult your family
members or trusted friends first.
- Avoid extensive use of computers or video games while in the process of recovery.
What Do I Do If My Child Has a Concussion?
If your child has sustained a concussion, make sure you take him or her
to the doctor as soon as possible. You can also help aid the process of
recovery by following these helpful tips:
- Allow your child to get plenty of rest. Do not encourage late nights and
do not allow sleepovers.
- Make sure your child avoids high-risk activities, such as sports, roller
coasters, or other activities that might jeopardize his or her safety
and risk another concussion.
- Give your child drugs that are approved by a pediatrician or the family doctor.
- Share information about your child’s concussion with teachers, counselors,
babysitters, coaches, and other individuals who interact with your child
to create awareness of his or her condition and to help them understand
how to meet your child’s needs.
What Tests Are Done to Diagnose Concussion?
Concussions do not necessarily leave a mark. You might feel completely
fine immediately afterward, but without a visit to your doctor, you cannot
be certain. A doctor will be able to conduct tests to check for any damage,
determine the severity of the injury, and determine the best course of
action for treatment. Some tests that are commonly performed include:
Neurological Test: Your doctor might order a neurological exam in the ER in order to assess
your motor and sensory skills, the functioning of your cranial nerves,
hearing and speech, vision, coordination and balance, mental status, mood
changes and behavior, and other abilities.
CT Scan: A CT scan is a special computerized x-ray, which provides images of the
brain. It is often used if a physician suspects brain bleeding or swelling.
MRI Scan: This test provides detailed images of the brain through the use of magnetic
energy instead of radiation.
Even if the MRI or CT scans come up negative, it does not mean your brain
did not sustain any damage. It simply means it is not visible on the scans.
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
A “concussion” is the term used to describe an injury that
occurs when a trauma victim’s brain hits the inside of the skull
with enough force to cause a disruption in normal brain activity. These
injuries are common among athletes who participate in contact sports such
as football, soccer, and martial arts. With proper treatment, the symptoms
of a concussion typically clear up in a matter of weeks. However, in some
cases complications can occur, leading to the development of the more
serious post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
The symptoms of PCS mirror the symptoms of a concussion, however, can last
for months or even years after the initial injury took place. Furthermore,
each individual may experience the condition differently, with specific
symptoms depending on the severity of an injury as well as the parts of
the brain that were damaged. The condition can lead to a drastic reduction
in the victim’s day-to-day enjoyment of life.
Common physical and cognitive symptoms of PCS can include:
- Constant fatigue or tiredness despite seemingly adequate rest
- Trouble with memory recall, concentration, and focus
- Mood swings and behavioral changes such as anxiety and depression
- Physical pains including persistent headaches and migraines
- Reduction or loss of sensory perception
Treatments for PCS typically focus on easing symptoms. For example, a physician
might prescribe pain medications for migraines or refer patients to specialists
for the treatment of psychological conditions. While there is disagreement
within the medical community as to the exact causes of PCS, risk factors
can include age as well as previous head trauma. Due to the varying nature
of symptoms, it is critical for victims to seek ongoing medical care and
monitor their condition closely with the appropriate medical professionals.
What is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy?
Repeated head trauma throughout many years is the likely cause of CTE.
The condition is commonly found in the brains of people who played contact
sports, including football.
During the first stage, symptoms do not appear to be substantial –
such as headaches and mild disorientation. However, as the condition progresses,
CTE can cause memory loss, poor judgment, emotional instability, erratic
behavior, vertigo, tremors, dementia, depression, substance abuse, and
Unfortunately, several former NFL players who have taken their own lives
were discovered to be suffering from CTE prior to their untimely deaths.
It is becoming much clearer that the developing brain is more susceptible
to concussion, resulting in a delayed recovery time that can have an immense,
negative health impacts down the road.
Serving Injured Victims Nationwide
If you or a loved one has suffered a sports-related concussion, or currently
suffering from the aftermath of a head injury, do not hesitate to
contact Shrader & Associates L.L.P. Our sports injury attorneys have been helping the injured for more than
a decade and have won millions of dollars for clients in past settlements
and verdicts. We know that you are likely to have numerous questions;
we are here to help.