Top 10 Facts About Concussions
You don’t need to be knocked out for a concussion to occur.
In fact, most concussions occur without a loss of consciousness. That’s why they can be difficult to recognize.
You can get a concussion from a fall or blow to the body.
You don’t have to be hit in the head to get a concussion. A fall or blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth can also cause a concussion.
Concussions are usually not life-threatening.
But their effects can be quite serious, so don’t delay in seeking medical attention if you think you have one.
Signs & symptoms of a concussion can be difficult to recognize.
In the early stages, the person with the concussion, family members, and doctors can miss the signs of a concussion because people may look fine even though they are acting or feeling differently.
A concussion can change the way your brain works.
Don’t rush back into physical activity after a concussion. A repeat concussion that occurs while your brain is still healing can cause long-term problems that may change your brain, and therefore, your life forever.
Concussion symptoms may not appear immediately after initial injury.
It may take hours to days for symptoms to present themselves.
All 50 States have a “Return to Play” law.
The “Return to Play” law requires that young athletes are removed from play upon suspected concussion, and that they have medical clearance in order to resume participation in athletics. See more information by visiting the cdc website.
Baseline testing helps determine if a concussion has occurred.
A baseline test is taken at the beginning of the sports’ season, and measures brain function. This allows providers to compare the baseline results with the results after a suspected head injury to help determine if the brain is, in fact, injured.
500,000 children get concussions each year.
Approximately half a million children are treated in an emergency department each year for concussions. Half of these injuries were sports related, and of that half, 40% were sustained by children between the ages 8 and 13.
Girls are at a higher risk for concussions.
In a study from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Dr. Mark Halstead said he believes that girls are more likely to sustain head injuries from a hit because they have weaker neck muscles.