Sunday, June 25, 2017

Signs of Sports Concussions

A sports concussion (sports-related or otherwise) refers to a certain type of traumatic brain injury caused by an impact to the body or head. Concussions often occur after an accident, fall, fight, or anything else that can cause your skull to shake. Concussions are common with athletes, hockey players, footballers, rugby players, boxers and martial art enthusiasts.

It is easy to suffer from a concussion, and fail to know about it immediately. Symptoms of a concussion can either be severe or mild. 

Common signs of a concussion are;

·      Headache
·      Dizziness
·      Anxiousness
·      Blurriness
·      Nausea and vomiting
·      Memory complications
·      Poor Sleep patterns
·      Irritability
·      Anger
·      sadness
·      Fatigue
·      Feeling emotional
·      Nausea
·      Nervousness
·      Numbness
·      Sensitivity to either noise or light
·      Vomiting

Effects of concussion:

Concussions can either cause severe or mild effects. Nevertheless; serious effects are very rare after a concussion. Here are both short and long term effects of concussions;

· Communication Problems
· Abnormal Brain Waves
· Sensory processing impairment: Visual, Auditory,
· Motor Skills Decline: Fine motor skills, Gross motor skills
· Cognitive impairment: Memory, Learning, Attention,
· Emotional Disturbances; Anger, Anxiety, Depression
· Neurodegeneration
· Low sex drive
· Movement complications
· Disturbed sleep patterns

How to Prevent a Concussion:

While a concussion can be inevitable in some cases, its effects can be catastrophic. The human brain is very delicate. Therefore, it is imperative to take the following preventive measures to prevent concussions from occurring:

     1. Always wear protective equipment
Protective gear and equipment are highly recommended for those who engage in vigorous activities such as football, boxing, skiing, rugby, horse riding, hockey, skateboarding, cycling, snowboarding, racing and martial arts among others. Wearing helmets, eye and mouth guards can help to reduce the risks of concussions significantly. However, it is extremely important to ensure that your protective equipment/gear fit perfectly and well-maintained for maximum protection.

     2. Be careful
Being careful when engaging in driving and sports activities can make all the difference. Desist from driving under the influence of alcohol or drug, respect speed limits, obey traffic rules and respect other drivers to avoid causing concussions-related accidents. High impact sports athletes should avoid reckless tackles, and be fully aware of their surroundings and other players. In other words, attentiveness and soberness are keys to preventing concussions.

Recommended Actions in case of a Concussion:
    
     1. Seek Medical Attention
There is wisdom in seeking sports medical assistance after a concussion. Health experts recommend against ignoring traumatic brain injury symptoms to avoid negative long-term effects on your health and wellness. Your doctor can give you the right medical attention depending on whether your concussion is mild or severe.

     2. Take a Rest
People who engage in rigorous sports are more susceptible to concussions than those who don’t. In case of a concussion, a player should take a break immediately. Rest helps the brain to recover from a concussion. Should symptoms persist, seek immediate medical attention.

     3. Avoid concussions reoccurrences
Do everything in your power to guard yourself against regular concussions. Repeat concussions can effectively cause severe brain damage.

Treatment for a concussion:

Concussions can be treated using various medical methods, with specific treatment being dictated by the severity of the concussion. A well-qualified medical professional can make his/her recommendation depending on the symptoms and severity of the concussion injury.






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Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.


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