Concussions are not just limited to contact sports like football; they can also occur in any other sports or activities where contact results in a blow to the head.
University of Michigan Health estimates that 3.8 million concussions occur each year as a result from sports-related injuries in the United States. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 5-10% of athletes will experience a concussion in any given sports season.
Many of these injuries go unreported and undiagnosed, so it’s important to know the signs. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is usually caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head. It can also result from a blow to the body.
Concussion Signs and Symptoms
In some cases, what may appear to be a “minor” bump that doesn’t result in a loss of consciousness may cause a concussion, which is why many people don’t know they have one. Another complicating feature of concussions that makes them more difficult to immediately detect is that signs of some concussions don’t show up right away, they may take a few days or weeks to appear. Here are the symptoms to keep an eye out for:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Nausea and vomiting
- Problems with balance/clumsiness
- Dizziness
- Double/ Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Memory/concentration problems
- Confusion
- Feeling sluggish, foggy or groggy
Loss of consciousness, mood or behavior changes or appearing dazed or clumsy after a hit on the field or other venue are also signs that can point to a concussion. If you are worried someone has a concussion, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t think emergency care is required, it’s better to take the extra precaution.
Trained medical professionals will help determine the right course of treatment and let you know when it is okay to return to normal activities and sports. Concussions take time to heal and if your return to normal activities too soon while the brain is still healing, it can put you at risk for further problems. Here are some other blogs to help you learn more about concussions and what to do:
- Your Child and Concussions
- Detroit Lions Heads Up Football Health and Safety Reminders
- Smart ER: Where and When to Go?
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