Concussions

Know the dangers of head injuries

You might have heard about professional athletes being pulled from games or taking time off to heal due to a concussion. A concussion is a type of head injury that happens when a physical hit, like a tackle, causes your brain to shake or even twist inside your skull. This sudden, abrasive movement can disrupt blood flow and brain activity. The brain then needs to slow down its activity as it recovers. During this period, a person with a concussion can have a strong sensitivity to noise, feel tired, and have difficulty thinking or learning new things.

Years ago, an athlete who took a hit to the head was told to “shake it off” and keep playing. Today, coaches, trainers, and doctors are better prepared to recognize the symptoms of a concussion and take proper steps, beginning with immediately pulling a player from the game. A second hit, even after a mild concussion, can trigger second impact syndrome, which greatly increases the chance of more serious injury. If the brain is impacted again before it has had a chance to recover, the person can experience immediate brain swelling and even death.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

—Philippians 4:7

Home injuries

You don’t have to be a professional athlete to suffer a concussion. Car accidents, physical altercations, workplace injuries, or activities like bike riding can cause a brain injury. A slip on some spilled breakfast juice or tripping over the family pet can trigger concussion symptoms, even if you don’t feel the impact was all that severe. Unlike in sports, there won’t be a doctor or specialist sitting nearby and ready to evaluate you. If you notice that you are experiencing concussion symptoms (see sidebar), seek medical care immediately. A doctor may administer tests to rate your balance, cognitive abilities, and vision. They might also suggest a CT scan or MRI. Above all, they will be able to create a recovery schedule tailored to your injury and symptoms.

Mild concussions usually don’t have long-term effects. But patients who suffer from migraines or have sustained repeated head injuries might need more time to make a proper recovery. One must rest and very slowly return to normal physical (or academic) activities. Patience is key to recovery, which can take several days or a few weeks.

Children and concussions

Kids are encouraged to play sports for their health and social benefits. But according to data from the American Academy of Pediatrics, an estimated 1.1 million to 1.9 million recreational and sports-related concussions occur each year in the U.S. in children 18 and younger. Sports like tackle football, lacrosse, soccer, and cheerleading carry high risks of concussions. Because of youthful eagerness to participate and not let teammates down, teens may be more likely to experience a second concussion before the brain has healed from their first. Younger people can also be more susceptible than adults to malignant brain edema, a severe and life-threatening condition that causes very fast brain swelling disrupting blood flow and the brain’s electrical impulses.

If you have a child involved in any sports, consult his or her team’s league about concussion testing and protocols. Some schools also provide pre- and postseason testing for their sports programs.