Transcript CONCUSSIONS
A traumatically induced alteration in mental status not necessarily with a loss of consciousness ◦ A change in your brain’s ability to function normally after a hit to the head or body – and you do not have to black out for in to be considered a concussion Can happen from a directly or indirectly ◦ Directly: hit to the head ◦ Indirectly: hit to the body or whiplash Any athlete who shows signs or symptoms of a concussion must be removed from play immediately! If you suspect you have a concussion you should see a healthcare provider right away. Only a doctor should give medication to someone suspected of having a concussion. Every concussion is unique ◦ The same hit to two different people can cause two very different sets of symptoms ◦ Care must be individualized More than 80% of concussions will resolve successfully within the first 3 weeks Symptoms ◦ Physical – how you feel physically ◦ Emotional – how you react ◦ Cognitive – how you think Physical Signs Impaired brain function Abnormal behavior Symptoms ◦ Only need ONE symptom present to be considered a possible concussion ◦ Headache is most common symptom Headache Pressure in head Neck pain Nausea/Vomiting Dizziness Blurred Vision Balance problems Sensitive to light Sensitive to noise Feel slowed down Feel in a fog Difficulty concentrating Difficulty remembering Fatigue/low energy Confusion Drowsiness Irritable Sad Nervous/Anxious Orientation ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Where are you? What day is it? What year is it? What team are you playing? Who is winning? Memory ◦ Both short term and long term Repeat words given by examiner Concentration ◦ Repeat numbers backwards ◦ Repeat months of year backwards Balance with eyes closed ◦ One foot ◦ Two feet together ◦ One foot in front of other – heel to toe Coordination ◦ Finger to nose Headache gets worse Cannot fully awaken Memory loss Vomiting Increased confusion Increased irritability Seizure Weakness/numbness in arms and/or legs Slurred speech Balance problems REST!!! ◦ Physical rest No activity whatsoever ◦ Cognitive rest No television, video games, reading, thinking Once you have NO symptoms… ◦ Cleared by doctor ◦ Pass concussion test ◦ Four day return to play protocol Day Day Day Day Day One – light aerobic exercise (jog, bike) Two – Sport specific drills (jumping, sprinting) Three – Light practice Four – full practice Five – full return If you get symptoms at point, need to rest and then start all over Rapid swelling of the brain that occurs when someone sustains a second head injury/concussion before the previous head injury has resolved. This can be a very minor injury (2nd one) that causes major problems. This typically is fatal. Athlete must be rushed to hospital IMMEDIATELY.