Concussions
A concussion is an injury to the brain. It's usually caused by a blow to the head. Most of the time it doesn't involve a loss of consciousness.
Symptoms include:
o Headache
o Dizziness
o Confusion
o Ringing ears
o Vision disturbance
o Loss of balance
o Memory loss
o Difficulty concentrating
o Nausea
Diagnosis
First a doctor examines you. The doctor will also get information from people who were there when the concussion happened. This is very important, especially if you're confused or if you lost your memory of the injury. The doctor will test your strength, sensation, balance, reflexes and memory.
Treatment
The treatment for concussion is rest. If you have a headache, you can usually take Tylenol). Always ask your doctor before you take any medicine if you've had a concussion.
Returning to Sports
You should never return to play while you have any signs of concussion, like headache or dizziness. If you had memory loss or loss of consciousness, you may not be able to return to play for one to two weeks. After a severe concussion, you may not be able to return to play for a month. If this wasn't your first concussion, your return to play may take even longer.
Risks of playing too early
A player returning too early could suffer from "second impact syndrome," which may be fatal. This problem is caused by a loss of the automatic control of blood vessels to the brain. Never return to a sports activity until you are cleared by a doctor.
Lasting Effects
Most people get better after a concussion without any permanent damage. People have signs of concussion for weeks to months. Repeated concussions could cause permanent damage. After several concussions, your doctor may talk with you about changing sports.
* Source – Familydoctor.org and Stanley Skarli, M.D., Helen DeVos Children's Hospital
For more information on Helen DeVos Children's Hospital visit, devoschildrens.org
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