Thousands of concussions are reported — while others aren’t identified — each year by American high school student-athletes. Do you know how to spot this dangerous brain injury?
“The effects of a concussion can be extremely serious. It’s important for those who are involved in youth sports and parents of young athletes to know how to spot a concussion and the steps to take,” said Zachary K. Pharr, MD, an orthopedic surgeon on the Maury Regional Health medical staff associated with Mid-Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic.
Dr. Pharr and athletic trainers with Marshall Medical Clinic hosted local youth coaches for a coaches clinic in July. He presented on athletic injuries and returning to play, including a discussion on the dangers of concussions.
A concussion occurs when there’s a sudden movement of the head that causes the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull. It’s generally caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or an impact to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth.
Concussions cause chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretch or damage brain cells. The symptoms can be physical, such as sensitivity to light, dizziness, exhaustion, headaches, vision problems or nausea, or even affect how you feel, think and handle emotions.
Parents and coaches should continually check athletes for signs of a concussion a few days after a possible injury, as some symptoms may not show immediately.
“Concussion symptoms can sometimes be hard to recognize,” Dr. Pharr said. “If you suspect an athlete may have suffered a concussion and is experiencing symptoms, consult a health care provider immediately.”
Athletes who experience a concussion should stay out of play until cleared by a health care provider. They should limit physical and thinking activities while getting plenty of rest, including naps during the day as needed, and gradually return to activities as symptoms decrease.
Some athletes may try to hide their symptoms, which can be dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seven in 10 young athletes report playing their sport with concussion symptoms, and out of those, four in 10 said their coaches were unaware they had a possible concussion.
“It’s important for parents and coaches to create a culture where athletes feel safe to report their symptoms,” Dr. Pharr said. “No game is more important than being safe after a concussion.”
Zachary K. Pharr, MD