Understanding Concussions

An estimated 1.6 – 3.8 million sports-and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year!

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow or jar to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that shakes the brain inside the skull. The cause is a temporary loss of brain function.

Common causes of concussions are sports injuries, car accidents, falls, playground injuries, bicycle crashes and physical altercations.

It’s imperative to contact a doctor if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms of a concussion:

• ·      A headache that gets worse, or does not go away
• ·      Numbness, weakness or decreased coordination
• ·      Repeated vomiting or nausea
• ·      Seizures or convulsions
• ·      A problem recognizing people or places
• ·      Increasing confusion, restlessness, or agitation
• ·      Slurred speech
• ·      Extreme drowsiness or not being able to wake up
• ·      One pupil that is larger than the other

What you need to know about concussions: 

• ·      You don’t have to pass out or lose consciousness, in order to have a concussion.
• ·      Some people will have obvious symptoms, such as passing out or forgetting what happened prior to the injury. But others will show no signs at all.
• ·      Never return to play or vigorous activity while signs or symptoms of a concussion are present.
• ·      Repeated concussions or a severe concussion may lead to long-lasting problems with movement, learning, or speaking.

Detroit athletes with career changing concussions: 

• ·      Javid Best began his NFL career with the Lion’s in 2010, however his NFL career was short-lived. The numerous concussions he suffered throughout his career prevented him from returning to the field during the 2012 season. In 2013, the Lions released Best.
• ·      Johan Franzén began his NHL career with the Red Wings in 2008. In 2015, Franzén missed the remainder of the season due to concussion-like symptoms he suffered after he was blindsided by a check in the beginning days of 2015. He was deemed medically fit to return to the 2015/16 season, Franzén only played two games before the return of his concussions symptoms.  He is presently on the team’s long-term injury reserve list.

It’s important to know that after a concussion the brain is more sensitive to damage. So while you’re recovering, be sure to avoid activities that might injure you again. With rest, most people fully recover from a concussion. Some recover within a few hours, other people take a few weeks.