Introduction
Concussions are a common injury in sports, and they can affect the health of athletes. The symptoms of concussions can include confusion, headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, sensitivity to light or noise, difficulty concentrating and remembering things, and sleep disturbances. Say’s Dr.John Manzella,In order to help manage them properly so that you can get back into the game as quickly as possible, it’s important that you have a good understanding of how to treat concussions properly.
Epidemiology of Concussion in Sport
Concussion is a significant public health concern and the second most common injury in sports. The rate of concussion varies based on the sport, with more than half of concussions occurring during football, hockey and soccer games. Concussions are often underreported because athletes feel they can play through their symptoms, they want to continue playing or they don’t want to miss contests. As a result, low-level blows that do not cause loss of consciousness go unreported and do not receive appropriate medical attention.
The Nature and Mechanisms of Concussion
- The Nature and Mechanisms of Concussion
Concussions are affective and cognitive injuries that can be caused by a variety of forces, including sudden deceleration, rapid change in direction, or direct contact with an object. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of concussion; however, it can also occur as a result of stroke or certain genetic conditions.
In addition to being diagnosed based on signs and symptoms displayed by an individual following an incident, concussion can be confirmed through imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). Most concussions resolve within seven days; however, some cases may last weeks or months after the initial injury.
Assessment and Diagnosis of Concussion
- Assessment and Diagnosis of Concussion
As you may be aware, concussion is a symptom-based diagnosis. A detailed history from the patient or parent is essential to determine if an athlete has suffered a concussion. A similar level of detail is required for physical examination—including cognitive testing (neuropsychological testing), particularly when there are any concerns about the injury being associated with a brain bleed. In addition, neuroimaging can be considered in situations where there are clinical findings that make it difficult to distinguish between sports-related concussions and other causes of altered mental status (e.g., intoxication).
Management of Concussion
When managing concussion, a multidisciplinary approach is essential. This includes a multi-agency approach to care, which includes the following:
- The athlete and coaches
- The parents or guardians of the athlete
- The school pediatrician and/or school nurse
- A registered dietitian if necessary (e.g., athletes with low body mass index)
Conclusion
The management of sports-related concussions is a complicated process that requires a multidisciplinary approach. There are several factors to consider when treating patients with this condition, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Each case must be carefully evaluated by medical professionals who are experienced in the field of concussion management before treatment begins.
