Recognizing Concussions

According to recent estimates by the Center for Disease Control, up to 3.8 million children and adults sustain concussions each year. Even more alarming is that evidence suggests that this figure may be an underestimate as a large number of concussions in youth go unrecognized.

A concussion is a brain injury that results from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. Injuries to the developing brain of the student-athlete can have serious and long-term health effects, and even seemingly minor “dings” to the head need to be taken seriously.

What are the symptoms of concussion? If an athlete has a concussion, parents, coaches and teammates may observe the following:
-appears dazed or stunned
-confused about assignments/plays
-forgets plays
-moves in a clumsy way
-is unsure of score, opponent, play
-shows behavior or personality change
-can’t recall events or plays
-loss of consciousness
-answers questions slowly
-repeats questions

The individual himself/herself may also experience the following:
-headache
-visual problems
-balance problems
-sensitivity to noise and/or light
-fatigue
-nausea or vomiting
-dizziness
-moving and/or thinking slowly
-irritability
-sadness
-anxiety
-sleeping more than usual
-trouble falling asleep
-problems remembering things
-trouble concentrating
-feeling mentally “foggy”

It is important to remember that concussions can:
-occur in any sport;
-occur, even if the individual does not lose consciousness;
-result in symptoms that emerge during the days following the injury;
-cause brain swelling, permanent brain damage, or even death, if an athlete has a second concussion before recovering from a first one.

What should you do if you suspect than an individual has sustained a concussion?
1. Seek medical attention immediately. It is important to contact your child’s pediatrician, and in some cases a neurologist specializing in concussion. Neuropsychological testing is also essential to concussion management, as a way of measuring changes in important cognitive abilities during recovery.
2. Rest is key. Individuals with concussion should not return to any high risk activities (e.g., sports, physical education, high-speed activities) while they are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. It is also important to manage the amount of cognitive activity during recovery. Too much activity can make worsen symptoms.
3. Inform coaches and teachers about any recent concussions. It is important to monitor individuals with concussion for any of the symptoms listed above, especially in the context of increased physical and cognitive exertion.

How can I prevent concussions from occurring? Unfortunately, concussions are an inherent risk in any physical activity. Nevertheless, wearing the correct protective equipment for the sport or activity (e.g., helmets) and ensuring that the equipment is properly fitted and maintained, and worn correctly and consistently; following rules and safety guidelines for sports activities; and, maintaining good sportsmanship in athletic activities, can reduce the risk of injury.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has additional information for athletes, parents and coaches on concussion. Please visit them at:
http://www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports/ or
http://www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury/coachestoolkit.html

Dr. Schneider has expertise in working with children and adolescents with concussions. She completes brief neuropsychological testing to monitor recovery from injury. Please contact Dr. Schneider should you have any questions.

Jillian C. Schneider, Ph.D.
Licensed Pediatric Neuropsychologist