Healthy Connections
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August 2010 – HEALTH TIP OF THE MONTH
Know the signs of a concussion
Anthony Alessi, MD
With fall sports getting under way this month, parents should be aware of the dangers of concussions, especially in young developing brains.
A concussion is a brain injury caused by a jolt or blow to the head. Players should be observed for one to two hours after the hit or suspected concussion, because signs can be delayed. They should be kept out until a medical professional can assess them and clear them for play.
According to the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference about 107,000 youth play high school sports in the state, and approximately 5,000-8,000 have concussions each year. The Center for Injury Research and Policy, at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, estimates there were 400,000 concussions in U.S. high school students between 2005 and 2008, most in football players. But lacrosse, soccer and basketball players, wrestlers, gymnasts and cheerleaders were also among those who suffered concussions.
Anthony Alessi, MD, a neurologist on the Backus Hospital medical staff and Medical Director of the Backus Stroke Center, said it is important for parents to know the signs of concussions and take precautions to avoid traumatic brain injuries. Signs and symptoms of a concussion are:
- Stunned, dazed, confused
- Amnesia about the events before or after the impact
- Loss of consciousness
- Lack of coordination
- Slowed reaction time
- Poor balance
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Mood and emotional changes To help prevent concussions:
- Make sure players use the proper equipment, including properly fitted helmets
- Make sure players are trained in the proper techniques in tackling and taking hits
- Know the signs of a concussion, to prevent players from re-entering a game and causing further injury to themselves.