A concussion is a short-lived brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. A variety of symptoms may develop and typically resolve over time. An athlete can suffer a concussion in any sport. Contact or collision sports, such as football, soccer, wrestling, ice hockey, lacrosse and rugby, have the highest incidence of concussion. Most concussions appear without loss of consciousness. Rarely is there a structural injury noted on MRI or CT scan. Even when the physical, and sometimes emotional, symptoms of a concussion have disappeared, the brain may not be healed.
Athletes who suffer a concussion are three to five times more likely to suffer a second concussion in the same season. Sustaining a repeat concussion, while recovering from a concussion, is dangerous. This is called second impact syndrome and can potentially cause brain swelling and brain damage. Your athletes can avoid further injury by not playing with a concussion.
Concussions don’t always cause a loss of consciousness. The most common symptoms after a concussion are:
Headache»
- May vary in location and intensity depending on your level of activity
- Typically worsens with physical/mental stress
- Pain can be impacted by your posture
- Can worsen with the position of your head and neck especially while reading, texting or studying
Dizziness»
Dizziness is common after a concussion.
Descriptions for dizziness:
- Lightheadedness
- Spinning
- Heavy headaches
- Pressure in the head
- "In a Fog"
- Woozy
- Imbalanced
Dizziness Tip
It is important for you to communicate your dizzy symptoms with your medical team, even if the symptoms are temporary or come and go.
Neck Pain»
- Typically is a discomfort along your hairline or on top of your shoulders
- May commonly be experienced as numbness or pain into your arms and should be reported
- Can be impacted by your posture
- Can worsen with the position of your head and neck especially while reading, texting or studying
- Can be alleviated by keeping your chin level during activities and it will help prevent additional neck problems
Neck Pain Tip
- You may use ice as needed for neck pain 15-20 minutes on the sore region.
It is important for you to let your medical team know if you develop neck pain after your concussion.
Problems could arise over the first 24-48 hours. You should be checked while sleeping every 4 hours to make sure you are alright. You should not be left alone and must seek medical treatment from the nearest hospital immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- One pupil larger than the other
- Inability to recognize people or places
- Nausea or repeated vomiting
- Pupils that are enlarged, unequal in size or non-reactive to light
- Slowing of pulse
- Unusual, bizarre or irritable behavior
- Any clear or bloody discharge from nose or ears
- Seizures (arms and legs jerk uncontrollably)
- Dizziness, confusion or stupor
- Worsening headache
- Double or blurry vision
- Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
- Excessive drowsiness or fainting
- Unsteadiness or poor balance
- Slurred speech
- Decline in alertness
- Fever
- Difficulty waking from sleep
Post concussive syndrome is defined as symptoms related to the head injury lasting greater than three months. Post concussive syndrome can be difficult to manage and frustrating for all involved, but the key to management is to breakdown the triggers that are causing symptoms and modify them to try to avoid worsening of symptoms.
We may utilize daily medications to help with headaches, neck pain or sleep. We may need to refer an individual experiencing post concussive syndrome for cognitive training or physical therapy for balance or neck issues.
Post concussive symptoms are characterized by:
- Sleep problems
- Deficits in memory and concentration
- Headaches
- Sensitivity to light as well as attention problems
These symptoms can occur soon after a concussion or develop more slowly over time.
- If you develop any post concussive symptoms, you should follow-up with your medical team for further assessment.
What can put you at risk for a concussion?
- Athletes with genetic factors or a history of previous brain impairment
- Younger athletes whose brains aren’t fully developed
- Recent or previous concussion
- Poorly fitting or improper sports equipment