Concussions are a common but often misunderstood injury in sports, affecting athletes of all ages and skill levels. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the importance of proper recovery can prevent long-term complications and ensure a safe return to play.
Common Concussion Misconceptions
One of the biggest challenges in concussion management is overcoming common misconceptions. Many athletes believe:
- “A concussion is not dangerous.”
- “It is safe to play with a concussion.”
- “I feel fine, so I should be able to play.”
Because concussions do not always present visible signs—like a swollen joint or a cast—it can be difficult to grasp the severity of a head injury. However, returning to play too soon can lead to serious complications, including second impact syndrome, which occurs when a second concussion happens before the first has fully healed. Though rare, this can result in severe brain injury or even death.
Education is crucial in ensuring that athletes, parents, and coaches understand the risks and prioritize safety over immediate return to play. Following proper concussion protocols helps prevent long-term complications and allows for a safe recovery.
Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Medical Attention
While headaches are the most recognized symptom of a concussion, other signs include:
- Dizziness
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Confusion and memory loss
- Personality and emotional changes
- Impaired balance and decision-making
- Nausea or vomiting
In most cases, emergency care is not required, but medical evaluation is recommended if an individual is difficult to wake or has persistent vomiting.
Concussion Assessment and Immediate Actions
On the sidelines, providers and athletic trainers use standardized tools to assess concussions quickly and accurately. The Sideline Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT-6) is one such evidence-based examination technique that helps determine whether an athlete should return to play.
If a concussion is suspected, immediate removal from play is essential.
Understanding Risk Factors
Athletes who have previously suffered a concussion are more susceptible to future concussions. Additionally, conditions such as migraines or attention deficit disorder (ADD) can prolong recovery. A thorough medical history is essential in tailoring treatment plans for individual athletes.
Advancements in Concussion Research
Concussion research continues to evolve, improving the way athletes are diagnosed and treated. Recent advancements include:
- Football helmets with impact-monitoring technology
- Sideline tests that detect more serious brain injuries
- Updated return-to-play protocols allowing for earlier recovery monitoring
In fact, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association recently updated its concussion protocol to incorporate these evidence-based strategies, allowing athletes to recover more efficiently while maintaining safety.
Acting as a Team for Concussion Management
Ultimately, preventing concussions starts with education and awareness. Coaches can help in this by foster a team culture that prioritizes safety, encouraging athletes to report symptoms rather than hide them as well as working on technique adjustments in certain sports can help reduce the risk of concussions.
Pardee’s certified athletic trainers work closely with schools to teach athletes and coaches how to recognize concussion symptoms and understand how they occur.
Physicians trained in sports medicine undergo extensive training in diagnosing, managing, and determining when an athlete is ready to return to play. For student-athletes, the physicians collaborate with school athletic trainers to ensure a smooth recovery process.
Visit our website to find one of Pardee’s sports medicine providers near you.
