What is a concussion?
think again...
ConcussionLink
think again...
A concussion is a type of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) that results from a bump, fall, jostle, or any force to the head, neck, or body, that causes the brian to move violently within the skull. As the brain is moving it hits against the inside of the skull and causes a disruption of the cell function.

Concussions can be very hard to diagnose. You can have a severe concussion but not even know it until you get back into regular daily work after an incident. If you notice a difference in focus, headaches, sensitivity to light, sound, or noise, or tiredness please consult your doctor. Concussions are no joking matter and can greatly affect a person.

If you or someone you know has a concussion don't stand alone. They are very difficult to deal with by yourself.
Symptoms
Recovery
OBSERVED
  • loss of interest
  • irritability
  • sadness
  • anxiety
  • nervousness
  • ​answers questions slowly
  • personality change
  • confusion about assignments
Prevention
The recovery period for each concussion is vital to regain full function. These can last from something as short as a few days to still having symptoms after many months. The healing process of a brain is not as simple as putting a cast on and moving on for a specific amount of time. After a concussion the brain needs to reconnect all of the broken links and to do this it requires as much rest as possible. Putting any strain on the brain will hamper this process and extend recovery time.

  • Limit screen time, texting, reading
  • Avoid doing anything that requires excessive focus (math problems)
  • No contact sports or activities that can jostle the head (such as jogging or horseback riding)
  • Take frequent breaks during the day when needed
  • Eat a balanced diet with nutritious foods
  • Take daily vitamins
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • ​Avoid noisy places (eg. the mall, concerts, parties)
  • After being cleared by a doctor, gradually return to normal activity
  • Most importantly: listen to your body. It will tell you when it needs a break


These recommendations ​are not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your healthcare provider immediately if you require medical attention.
Although a head injury can result from something as simple as tripping on the sidewalk and falling the wrong way, there are a few safety measures you can take to lower the risk of getting a concussion. Once you have had a concussion, you are at a higher risk for permanent brain damage.

  • Always wear a helmet when biking, at construction sites, or playing any contact sport
  • Always wear a mouthguard in sports (they act as shock absorbers)
  • Always wear a seatbelt
  • Avoid aggressive driving
  • If you experience any symptoms contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not tough it out
EXPERIENCED
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • memory loss
  • inability to focus
  • double or fuzzy vision
  • sensitivity to light
  • balance problems
  • changes in sleep patterns
So I think I have a concussion...What now?

First, call your healthcare provider to officially diagnose the head injury. If you have taken the ImPACT test as a baseline then retake the test to compare your new scores.
I have a concussion but my school doesn't know how to treat me. What can I do to help them?

Heading Off Concussions
Why young athletes are especially at risk for a devastating brain injury.
A decade ago a kid who was "dinged" or "had his bell rung" might be put back in the game 15 minutes later. "People didn't have the understanding that concussion is a serious brain injury," says Mark Halstead, M.D., of Washington University in St. Louis. Concussions result when a blow to the head causes the brain to rotate or slosh inside the skull, disrupting normal cell function. "Now we know that after just one concussion, it doesn't take as heavy a blow to cause the next," Dr. Halstead says. In fact, a second head injury on the heels of an unhealed earlier concussion can trigger severe swelling inside the skull. "It's rare, but about five kids a year die from this second impact," Dr. Halstead says. "It seems unique to players under 20." Even the kids who survive second-impact brain injuries can be neurologically devastated, says Thomas Pommering, D.O., division chief of Nationwide Children's Hospital Sports Medicine center. "The developing brain is more susceptible to damage," he says. Multiple concussions may also have additional cumulative, long-term effects, including depression and memory loss.
Players who suffer a head impact should seek medical attention immediately if they experience headache, nausea, confusion, dizziness, double vision, sensitivity to light, forgetfulness or trouble with balance. "Concussion isn't as obvious as, say, a knee injury, when the player hobbles off the field," Dr. Halstead says. "The player needs to tell someone he doesn't feel right." Healing requires both physical and mental rest—activities requiring concentration can make symptoms worse. "We recommend taking a few days off school, and avoiding standardized tests, driving and even video games," says Dr. Halstead. In most cases symptoms resolve within about 10 days.