Recognizing the Signs of Concussions in Student Athletes

A concussion is a very serious injury that is caused by a direct blow to the head, face, or neck. It is estimated that over 300,000 sports-related injuries occur annually. Concussion symptoms can occur in minutes but some symptoms could take hours to appear. It’s crucial that any athlete who has lost consciousness during a sports-related impact gets examined for a concussion or spine injury. Here are signs and symptoms to look for in athletes that may have suffered a concussion:

• Headache- This is one of the most common complaints among athletes that have a concussion.
• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty remembering
• Changes in behavior (rapid mood swings, depression, aggressiveness)
• Difficulty with balance
• Slurred speech
• Pupils are not equal in size
• Excessive drowsiness

If you suspect an athlete has a concussion:

• Don’t let them return to any sporting events
•  Allow the athlete to rest until there are no more signs or symptoms, this will allow the brain to recover. Minimize distractions such as watching television, the internet, or using your phone. Allow time to sleep or take frequent naps so the brain can rest.
• Waking up the injured athlete every hour is unnecessary and will just disturb sleep patterns as well as the healing process of the brain.
• Pain relievers should be avoided because they can increase the risk of bleeding in the brain
• Do not leave the athlete alone following the injury, symptoms should be monitored closely in case they worsen.

If you suspect an athlete is suffering a concussion, bring them to the emergency room immediately for care.

Blackstone Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has experienced orthopedic surgeons that are happy to assist you by providing you with knowledgeable health and fitness information. Visit our website or call (800) 725-3037 to schedule an appointment at any of our 8 locations.