What is Concussion?
In basic terms, concussion is a Traumatic Brain injury caused by “shaking of the brain”, which can occur following any head/chest impact or whiplash scenario – perhaps from a rugby tackle, a car crash in or as simple as being hit in the face by the ball.
Signs & Symptoms of Concussion
Concussion can present itself as any ONE of the below symptoms or a combination. It is important that if any one of these symptoms is suspected, concussion is taken seriously.
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Memory loss
- Disorientated/confusion
- Loss of consciousness/responsiveness
- Deteriorating state
- Balance/coordination/motor skills problems – unsteady on feet
- Blank vacant look- staring into space
- Grabbing head
- Seizures/convulsions
- Emotional/ Sadness
- Nervous irritable
- Neck pain
- “Don’t feel right” or “in a fog”
What are the Implications of having Concussion?
Second Impact Syndrome – A second blow to the head, before the first incidence of concussion has subsided, causing a catastrophic swelling to the brain. The second blow to the head does not have to be hard at all!! Multiple concussions are thought to lead to Neurodegenerative conditions, where they might have cognitive and functional impairments and reduced quality of life. Not only are you at risk of this if you played on , but also the following days or even weeks as well.
Management
Concussion is managed with rest. Medical professionals should advise you not to undertake any activities that strain the brain- these include: driving, watching TV, reading books (especially small text), video games, staring at phones etc. The time for concussion to subside varies from person to person, but as a player you may be required to undertake daily cognitive and functional tests that challenge different aspects of the brain to assess your recovery. Gradual return to sport follows the HEADCASE protocol.
Prevention
Neck strength is now the preferred method of evidence based practice to protect yourself from sustaining concussion- but does not 100% protect you by any means. If your sport contains possibilities of head trauma, include neck exercises into your programme!
It is also wise to have team mates look out for each other- you may notice something strange that no one else does. Concussion can often cause someone’s state to deteriorate, meaning their level of responsiveness will decrease. The more players that are aware of it, the better!
For more in depth information on incidence rates, management, and rehabilitation procedure, we advise to read up on Headcase, click here to read further.
If you are a parent, coach or even a Player, print out a Headcase pocket sized information management card to take to matches.
About Us : Function Jigsaw Sports Clinic in Leicester
Function Jigsaw sports injury clinic is based in Wigston, Leicester and we specialise in Sports injury rehabilitation. Our sports therapists have years of experience in sports physiotherapy and sports massage. For more information and booking, please contact us to make an appointment. You can also call us on 0116 340 0255 or email us at info@functionjigsaw.co.uk
