A concussion is a brain injury sustained when the brain is “concussed” within the inside of the skull by either direct trauma or a whiplash type of phenomenon that bounces the brain against the inside of the skull.
Cognitive Symptoms from a Concussion
Because a concussion cannot be seen on typical diagnostic tools (X-rays, CT scan, MRI), it has not received the same type of attention as other types of brain injury. However, recent research has documented that athletes who suffer from concussions experience a wide range of long term cognitive problems including:
- confusion
- disorientation
- inability to concentrate
Treatment for a Concussion
Treatment for concussion includes the elimination of all physical activity (already known) and the elimination of all cognitive stimulation (relatively new). (Annual National Summit on Concussion and Other Sports Medicine Injuries, May 15, 2009). This includes the removal of student-athletes from school with instructions of no reading, no computers, no video games, and no texting/communication on electronic devices.
The goal of removing the cognitive stimulation is to allow the brain to heal. Just as in any other types of injury, rest is crucial to the healing process especially within the first 48 hours.
Because some individuals may experience photophobia (sensitivity to light) with a concussion, placing the athlete in an area void of sunlight or artificial lights may make the athlete more comfortable.
However, a key part of ensuring the safety of an athlete diagnosed with a concussion is to never leave the athlete unsupervised or alone. Athletes recovering from concussions need constant monitoring to ensure that no other symptoms appear that may indicate a more serious brain injury (subdural hematoma).
Signs and Symptoms that Advanced Medical Intervention is Necessary
Family members of an athlete with a concussion should be given specific instructions as to what signs and symptoms to look for that might indicate that the athlete needs immediate medical intervention including:
- decrease in cognitive ability (inability to respond)
- decrease in alertness
- unresponsive
- increase in nausea, vomiting, dizziness
If the athlete’s symptoms deteriorate, the athlete should receive immediate medical attention. Careful monitoring of the athlete is critical for the care and treatment of an athlete with a concussion.
Best Location for Recovering Athlete
The best place for an athlete recovering from a concussion is in a quiet setting with either family members or adult supervision. The athlete should be able to lie down in a comfortable place and be restricted to only necessary movement until his/her symptoms begin to subside.
Because nausea and vomiting are often symptoms of a concussion, any movement of the athlete can increase the intensity of these symptoms. Keeping the athlete still can decrease these symptoms and make the athlete more comfortable.
As the symptoms of concussion begin to dissipate, the athlete can begin to increase their mobility and gradually increase cognitive stimulation. Any return or increase in the symptoms means that the athlete needs to reverse their activity level until the symptoms subside.
Recovery from Multiple Concussions
Initial concussions may have symptoms that last only a few hours to a few days. However, athletes who have sustained multiple concussions may have their symptoms last for months. These athletes need to be carefully monitored by their physician.
Return to sports should only occur after the athlete has undergone a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests administered by trained sports medicine personnel.
Terry Zeigler - Educating through writing with over twenty-five years of experience as a Kinesiology Professor and Certified Athletic Trainer.
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