Index
What is
a concussion; what are some common symptoms following
a concussion?
A concussion is the result of a blow to head or neck,
which causes to the brain to be rocked back and forth
inside of the skull. This leads to an altered state of
consciousness of mental awareness, which can either be
temporary or prolonged. Although symptoms of a concussion
are not always definite, they can include changes to
physical, cognitive/mental, or emotional functioning.
For example, problems with headache, neckache, backache,
dizziness, nausea, memory difficulties, poor concentration,
irritability, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms
are often reported following a concussion.
Do concussions
always involve a loss of consciousness?
No. A concussion typically involves at least a change
or alteration of consciousness of some sort, but an actual
loss of consciousness is not required for the diagnosis
of concussion. Often times, an athlete may be unsure
of whether a loss of consciousness has occurred during
a contact incident.
How long
does it take to recover from the effects of a concussion?
Many factors influence the course of recovery from a
concussion, including the severity of the concussion,
previous history of concussion, physical injury/pain
symptoms, and personal history, and so the length of
recovery will differ among individuals. Most healthy
athletes, however, will see significant improvement within
7 to 30 days following their concussion.
I had
a concussion, and I fear that I may have injured
my brain permanently. Is this possible?
Complete recovery can be expected for most athletes
who have sustained a concussion, especially if they have
had very few concussions previously. However, it is very
important that the athlete who has sustained a concussion
does not return to play too soon, as the brain is particularly
vulnerable to permanent injury while it is recovering
from the effects of a concussion. Therefore, if a second
concussion occurs during this period, the risk of permanent
brain injury is increased.
Isn’t
it true that the better athletes just "play
through" their concussions?
No. A concussion, because it is
by definition a mild brain injury, should be taken
seriously. Therefore, symptoms
following a concussion should not be viewed as a result
of physical or emotional weakness that could be overcome
by merely “toughing it out.” Ignoring the
need to limit activity and play while recovering from
a concussion can result in unnecessary risk of further
and more debilitating injury.
I have
had several concussions in my life while playing sports
competitively. Should I give up playing contact sports?
Giving up a sport can be a very
difficult decision to make, whether you are a high
level professional or amateur
athlete, or a “weekend warrior.” These decisions
are rarely simple and involve many considerations. In
such cases, the goal of the staff at the Sports Concussion
Institute is to provide you with the best objective,
medical and neuropsychological information possible,
based on the most current technologies and knowledge
regarding concussion diagnosis and management, in order
to assist you in making an informed decision.
When is
it necessary to see a doctor following a concussion?
Many athletes sustain very mild concussions with very
little disruption to their lives. It is also true, however,
that individuals often do not recognize the symptoms
of a concussion during the very early stages following
an injury. As with most medical problems, early detection
and treatment of concussion is the best with regard to
recovery and prevention of future problems. Therefore,
if you have sustained a loss of consciousness, or any
significant duration of change or alteration in consciousness
(e.g., more than 10-15 minutes), it might be a good idea
to see a doctor familiar with diagnosing and treating
postconcussive problems. In any case, lingering problems
following a concussion should be considered a signal
that you should consult a professional.
I am recovering
from the effects of a concussion. What can I do to
help with my recovery?
In many cases of uncomplicated concussion, rest, restriction
from play, and the passage of time go a long way towards
full recovery. In some cases, however, various associated
problems following a concussion may serve to prolong
the effects of a concussion if they are not detected
and treated properly. These include (but are not limited
to) difficulties with chronic pain, sleep disruption,
emotional problems, and personal habits that become a
problem only after a concussion (for example, a disorganized
lifestyle). The excellent multidisciplinary staff of
the Sports Concussion Institute are prepared not only
to evaluate the presence and nature of these kinds of
problems, but to also work with you in coming up with
a plan to deal with these issues in order to facilitate
recovery.
Are there
things that I should avoid when recovering from a
concussion?
As mentioned previously, refraining from contact sports
and any significant risk for a second concussion is crucial.
Overexertion or overstimulation are also not helpful
for recovery from a concussion. So, too much activity,
noise (e.g., parties), alcohol, and caffeine are typically
not recommended during the recovery period.
Aren’t
postconcussive problems just "psychological?"
No. Although emotional symptoms such as anxiety, depressed
mood, short-temper, and irritability can be experienced
following a concussion, it should not be assumed that
a concussion is caused by psychological problems. A concussion
occurs when brain function is temporarily disrupted due
to a blow to the head or neck.
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