Concussions
Concussion Basics from Carilion Clinic
A concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury, is a complex process affecting the brain due to direct or indirect forces to the head. The disturbance of brain function occurs from changes in the metabolic/chemical processes of the brain rather than a structural injury such as a “bruise”. The definition continues to evolve as more knowledge is gained.
How are concussions diagnosed?
The level of symptoms can vary with the degree of injury. It can be represented physically, cognitively, emotionally, and/or by sleep disturbance.
Symptoms include:
Physical symptoms- headache, nausea/vomiting, balance problems, visual changes, fatigue, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to noise, dazed, stunned
Cognitive symptoms- feeling mentally “foggy”, feeling slowed down, difficulty concentrating, difficulty remembering, confused about recentevents, answering questions slowly, and repeating questions
Emotional symptoms- irritability, sadness, more emotional, nervousness
Sleep symptoms- drowsiness, sleeping more or less than usual, and difficulty falling asleep
What are the potential long term effects of concussions?
It does appear that the younger athlete (less than 18 years old) is more susceptible to concussions and possibly prolonged effects. One study showed that children 8 to 16 years of age had deficits on testing the ability to process visual stimuli 3 months after the injury.
There still are far more questions than answers as long term studies are not available. No concrete data has defined the specific number of head impacts that may, over time, adversely affect the brain.
Second Impact Syndrome
Second impact syndrome can occur when an athlete with an initial traumatic head injury sustains a second injury before the symptoms have fully cleared. This can result in significant rapid worsening and even death. Pediatric and adolescent athletes (less than 18 years of age) appear to be at the greatest risk for second impact syndrom. Male athletes are at higher risk than female.
This syndrome alone, not just the apparent evidence of potential long term sequelae, requires each of us, from the health care provider (AT-C, physician), coach, teacher, fellow student-athletes, parents, and the athlete, to appreciate the seriousness of having “my bell rung” and to be sensitive to the symptoms and signs of concussion.
Postconcussion Syndrome
Postconcussion syndrome is not well defined. However, the consensus is that the presence of continuing cognitive, physical, or emotional symptoms lasting “longer than expected” (i.e. more than six weeks) can signal the condition.
