CONCUSSION FACTS
According to the CDC, a concussion is a form of a traumatic brain injury “caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain.”
The majority of concussions are caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, unintentional blunt trauma and assaults.
It is estimated that 1.6 to 3.8 million sports related concussions happen each year. Most sports concussions resolve rapidly, with complete symptom resolution in 10 days or fewer, however some leave prolonged symptoms.
Symptoms differ with each person and injury, and they may not be noticeable for hours or days. Common symptoms include:
According to a poll by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center nearly 9 out of 10 adults in the US can’t correctly define a concussion and 87% of those polled did not know that mood changes can be a symptom of a concussion.
Children and teens are more likely to get a concussion and can take longer to recover than adults. Suffering a concussion as a child or teenager can impact all areas of life, including academics, the ability to participate in sports and even social relationships. A January 2014 study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that “teens with a history of concussions are more than three times as likely to suffer from depression as teens who have never had a concussion.”
Baseline testing performed by a doctor during a pre-sports physical or a well-child visit can be a valuable tool should he or she suffer a concussion. It is important to be seen by a medical professional if you suspect that you or a family member has a concussion. Physical activities which could result in another concussion should be stopped until the injured person has been cleared by a doctor. Both “Return to Play” and “Return to Learn” guidelines should be followed.
Report your injury and take time to recover. It is better to miss one game than the whole season.
According to the CDC, a concussion is a form of a traumatic brain injury “caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain.”
The majority of concussions are caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, unintentional blunt trauma and assaults.
It is estimated that 1.6 to 3.8 million sports related concussions happen each year. Most sports concussions resolve rapidly, with complete symptom resolution in 10 days or fewer, however some leave prolonged symptoms.
Symptoms differ with each person and injury, and they may not be noticeable for hours or days. Common symptoms include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Difficulty remembering or paying attention
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
- Feeling irritable, more emotional, or “down”
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bothered by light or noise
- Double or blurry vision
- Slowed reaction time
- Sleep problems
- Loss of consciousness
According to a poll by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center nearly 9 out of 10 adults in the US can’t correctly define a concussion and 87% of those polled did not know that mood changes can be a symptom of a concussion.
Children and teens are more likely to get a concussion and can take longer to recover than adults. Suffering a concussion as a child or teenager can impact all areas of life, including academics, the ability to participate in sports and even social relationships. A January 2014 study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that “teens with a history of concussions are more than three times as likely to suffer from depression as teens who have never had a concussion.”
Baseline testing performed by a doctor during a pre-sports physical or a well-child visit can be a valuable tool should he or she suffer a concussion. It is important to be seen by a medical professional if you suspect that you or a family member has a concussion. Physical activities which could result in another concussion should be stopped until the injured person has been cleared by a doctor. Both “Return to Play” and “Return to Learn” guidelines should be followed.
Report your injury and take time to recover. It is better to miss one game than the whole season.