
Concussions in Youth Sports (29)
What is a Concussion?
Concussions are traumatic injuries to the brain and can be very dangerous if not properly recognized and taken care of immediately. Significant injury can occur without losing consciousness. Untreated head injuries may lead to lifelong changes such as learning disabilities, speech and motor impairment and even death.
Some symptoms to look for immediately after a hit to the head of any kind include: dizziness, loss of balance or concentration, loss of memory, vomiting, numbness or tingling, sensitivity to light or sound, headache and much more.
All athletes who sustain a concussion or think they may have sustained a concussion, No Matter How Minor, should undergo an evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider before returning to play. The athlete may be required to take what is called an ImPACT Test.
Athletes can return to play after they are completely free of all symptoms of a concussion and remain symptom free during and after physical and/or mental testing.
However, it is difficult to determine if the brain has healed from a concussion, even after all physical symptoms have resolved healing may not be complete. Returning to play to soon and suffering another concussion can result in what is reffered to as Second Impact Syndrome which may ultimately result in coma and/or death without warning.
Concussion's in Youth Sports | How Do I Recognize a Possible Concussion?