Concussion in sport has received more media attention in the past decade, leading to increased awareness. Evaluation and management guidelines for concussion are continually evolving as we gain a better understanding of this brain injury. Protect your loved ones and ensure continued enjoyment of athletics by staying informed about the latest concussion information.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a biomechanical injury to the brain caused by a force that is strong enough to disrupt traffic on brain networks. The injury can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
The signs and symptoms of a concussion include:
- Headaches
- Sleep difficulties
- Cognitive changes
- Mood disturbances
- Disequilibrium
- Lightheadedness
- Vertigo
- Vision changes
Acute Rest
The physiologic injury typically lasts 7-10 days. In the initial 0-72 hours, rest is generally recommended. The focus during this time period is for the brain to work through the acute injury and energy crises that are created by being exposed to a force large enough to disrupt brain networks. In this period of time, it is recommended to reduce screen time as well.
Relative Rest: Practicing an Active Model of Recovery
After an initial period of rest, it is time to begin a gradual increase in both physical and cognitive activity as tolerated. Recent studies have demonstrated that student athletes who gradually increase aerobic exercise during recovery from concussion return to sport quicker than those athletes who rest for a prolonged period of time. This level of aerobic exercise can be monitored by athletic trainers as well as trained sports concussion specialists who help guide intensity and duration levels of exercise during recovery. It is in this period of time that a student athlete should also focus on gradual re-introduction of school work and academics.
Return to Sport: Navigating Concussion Protocols
Each team or school should have a return-to-play process for athletes to follow for return to sport. This includes a multi-day guided protocol beginning with cardiovascular exercise and proceeding through agility, non-contact practice and contact practice days. If an athlete progresses through each phase without development of symptoms, they can return to full unrestricted play in their sport. This return-to-play process is individualized and sport specific.
Prevention Strategies
Helmets and other protective sports equipment have improved dramatically through the years, but there’s still nothing to guarantee an athlete won’t experience a concussion. The risk for concussions is still there. The best prevention strategies are to practice good form and play smart. An athlete can’t eliminate the risk of a concussion, but it can be reduced.
Action for Athletes: Promoting a Culture of Safety
There is strong evidence showing that athletes who recognize they might have a concussion and take themselves out of the game recover more quickly than their peers who try to hide or do not endorse symptoms. Sports programs should promote a culture of safety and ensure that every athlete knows if they experience symptoms of a concussion, they should acknowledge them and stop playing. This means that if you're in a game, get hit and start experiencing symptoms of a concussion, you should inform your athletic trainer so they can do an assessment.
Endeavor Health offers comprehensive sports neurology treatment and management. We are committed to staying at the forefront of concussion diagnosis and treatment. We advocate for an active model of recovery and have an exercise lab where athletes can exercise in a monitored setting during clinical evaluations. Contact our sports neurology providers, Dr.Erik Beltran and Dr. Nicole Reams, for cutting edge treatment and management of concussion. Visit us online or call (847) 570-2570.
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