SPORTSCONCUSSIONIt’s more than just abump on the head

Concussion Center

Concussion Center

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Reviewed: 6/2014

Knowing changes everything.SM

UPSTATE SPORTS CONCUSSION PROGRAMInstitute for Human Performance I 505 Irving Ave I Syracuse, NY

315.464.8986 I www.upstate.edu/concussion

What about athletes who have had multipleconcussions?Athletes who have had one or more concussions may bemore likely to suffer another, and may also take longer torecover. Also, there is increasing concern about theaccumulated effects of multiple concussions. Because of this, return-to-play decisions for these athletes shouldonly be made by qualified professionals.

How can I prevent concussion?There are several things that can be done to help preventa concussion. Helmets reduce (but do not eliminate) therisk of concussion, and are required in sports such asfootball and men’s lacrosse. Helmets should also be wornwhile bicycling, rollerblading, skateboarding, riding ascooter, skiing, snowboarding, or riding a horse. A properly worn helmet can reduce the frequencyand severity of brain injury.

Proper enforcement of rules can also help to preventconcussion by reducing risky or overly-aggressive play.Additionally, steps can be taken to educate athletes,coaches, parents, referees, and others about thepotentially serious problems that can follow a concussion,especially if the athlete returns to play too soon.

Where can I get help or more information?If you or someone you know has suffered a concussionand you are looking for medical help, or if you arelooking for more information about sports concussion,contact the Upstate Sports Concussion Program at315-464-8986.

Upstate Sports Concussion ProgramDirector, Brian P. Rieger, PhDMedical Director, Claudine Ward, MD

How do I recognize a concussion when it occurs?Concussion temporarily alters an athlete’s mental andphysical abilities. Some athletes lose consciousness afterconcussion, but most do not. Symptoms might appearright away, or may not be noticed until the next day orlater. Also, athletes may sometimes downplay orminimize their symptoms so they are not kept out ofsports. The most common symptoms of concussioninclude the following . . .

Physical symptoms• headache• nausea and vomiting• dizziness, light-headedness, and a loss of balance• blurred vision or sensitive to light• fatigue and lack of energy• sleep problems including sleeping too much or waking up a lot

Mental symptoms• feeling “dazed” or “foggy” or easily confused• trouble remembering things• difficulty concentrating and paying attention• trouble doing more than one thing at a time• Less organized, and losing track of things.• slowed thinking or speech

Also, symptomsmay appear to goaway, only tocome back afterphysical or mentalexertion. Becauseof this, currentguidelinesindicate that theathlete must besymptom-free both at rest and with exertion. Testing ofthe athlete’s balance and mental abilities can help todetermine when he or she is symptom-free.

What if the symptoms don’t go away in a week or two?As noted above, post-concussion symptoms can lasthours, days, weeks, or longer. Regardless of how longsymptoms last, an athlete can get help from medicalprofessionals who are trained in the evaluation andtreatment of concussion. Physicians, psychologists,physical therapists, occupational therapists, and otherscan help the athlete understand and manage thesymptoms.

Returning to sports is often the main concern of theathlete, but post-concussion symptoms can also affectmany other day-to-day activities, particularly academicperformance. The medical professionals treating theathlete with post-concussion symptoms will oftenrecommend academic accommodations to assist withschool performance during recovery.

SPORTS CONCUSSIONIt’s more than just a bump on the head

Behavioral symptoms• mood changes including irritability, anxiousness, andtearfulness

• decreased motivation• easily overwhelmed• saying or doing something without thinking it through• withdrawn and wanting to avoid social situations• personality change

How long does it take to recover?Most athletes recover from a concussion in a few days orweeks, but symptoms can last for months. Recovery may be slower in those who have already had one or moreconcussions, and in those who have a history of othermedical problems.

When is it safe to return to play after concussion?• An athlete who has suffered a concussion should beremoved from competition immediately and undergomedical evaluation

• An athlete can return to play when he or she iscompletely symptom-free at rest and with exertion.

• The decision to return an athlete to play after suspectedconcussion should only be made by a qualified professional.

• When in doubt, sit them out!

How can you tell when an athlete is symptom-free?Concussion is an invisible injury, and athletes may notrecognize or may minimize post-concussion symptoms.

What is a concussion?A concussion is an injury to the braincaused by a blow or a jolt to the head.