Aug. 9, 2018 | Sports and injuries are synonymous. It’s rare that a professional or even a college athlete completes their career without some kind of pain related to their sport. Many injuries require little more than a bandage or an ice pack. And then there are the types of injury that aren’t readily apparent, that can’t be fixed with a bandage or ice. A concussion is an injury to the brain that results in temporary loss of normal brain function. It is usually caused by a blow to the head. In many cases, there are no signs of trauma. People with concussions often cannot remember what happened immediately before or after the injury, and they may act confused. Coaches, trainers or paramedics who suspect a concussion may ask the injured person a short series of questions or to perform simple acts in an attempt to detect altered brain function.  Such testing can even be done on the field of play or on the sidelines in order to make decisions about additional treatment.

Aug. 9, 2018 | More than one million Americans will suffer a concussion this year, some as a result of contact sports like boxing, football or soccer. Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of concussions, but recreational activities like horseback riding, bicycling, and ice skating can also lead to head injuries and concussion. A concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury because the effects are usually transient and are not life-threatening. But UAMS neuropsychologist Dr. Jennifer Gess says that doesn’t mean that we should not take these injuries seriously.  It’s a good idea to contact a physician, according to Dr. Gess, if a child receives anything more than a light bump on the head. If the child doesn’t have signs of a serious head injury, remains alert and moves normally, the injury is probably mild. But if any signs of a possible concussion develop later on, Dr. Gess recommends seeking emergency care as quickly as possible.

Aug. 9, 2018 | Brain injury experts emphasize that although some concussions are less serious than others, there is no such thing as a “minor” concussion. In most cases, a single concussion should not cause permanent damage. A second concussion soon after the first one, however, does not have to be very strong for its effects to be far more serious, including the potential for permanent effects. Any blow to the head can cause a concussion. Falls often involve concussions, with or without other injuries. Without proper safety equipment and supervision, athletes may be at increased risk of concussions when playing football and other sports. Concussions don’t always involve head impact. Sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head — resulting from events such as a car crash or, in babies, being violently shaken — can cause a concussion. And anyone who has had a concussion may be at higher risk of having more in the future.

Aug. 9, 2018 | Mild injuries to the brain like concussions may not be recognized in routine neurological examinations and diagnostic tests, such as neuroimaging, will typically not show any changes. Therefore, determining if someone has a concussion is usually based on the nature of the incident and the presence of specific symptoms, with confusion being a primary one. Some of the other signs of a possible concussion include a prolonged headache, vomiting, memory loss and a ringing in the ears. Some symptoms, like sensitivity to light and noise and sleep disturbances, may not become apparent until hours or days after an accident. If any of these occur after a blow to the head, a healthcare professional should be consulted as soon as possible. The standard treatment for concussion is rest. For headaches, acetaminophen can be taken, though any medication taken following a concussion should be discussed with your physician.

Aug. 9, 2018 | The best way to prevent a sports-related concussion is to wear a helmet or protective headgear. Helmets and head gear come in many sizes and styles for many sports and must properly fit to provide maximum protection against head injuries. Helmets or headgear should be worn at all times both by children and adults for such sports as football, hockey, horseback riding, cycling, baseball, skiing, skateboarding and wrestling. Headgear is recommended by many sports safety experts for activities like martial arts and pole vaulting. Wear appropriate clothing for the sport and don’t participate in any sports when you are ill or tired. Supervise younger children at all times, and do not let them use sporting equipment or play sports unsuitable for their age. Be sure to avoid uneven or unpaved surfaces when roller-blading or skateboarding. As for swimming, don’t dive in water less than 9 feet deep or in above-ground pools and follow all rules at water parks.