concussions aren’t cool

story by | dr. jeffrey lystad

It’s estimated that more than three million sports and recreational-related concussions occur in the United States each year. While concussions are most commonly associated with full-contact sports, it is important to remember that your child is at risk with any organized or recreational sport. Student athletes sustain all kinds of contact blows throughout practices and games, however a direct blow to the head, face or neck, is the main cause for a concussion injury. Parents need to be aware of these signs and symptoms when they suspect a head injury in their child.

signs & symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and they may not appear right away. They can last for hours, days or in some cases even weeks. Each concussion is unique to each person and there is no exact time table one can follow for returning to play. The following is a list of possible signs and symptoms of a concussion:

• immediate signs & symptoms: confusion, amnesia, headache, loss of consciousness, ringing in the ears, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, unequal pupil size, convulsions, unusual eye movements and slurred speech

• delayed signs & symptoms: headaches, irritability, depression, sleep disturbances including insomnia or difficulty walking, fatigue, poor concentration, trouble with memory, getting lost or becoming easily confused, increased sensitivity to sounds, lights and distractions, loss of sense of taste or smell and difficulty with gait or coordination of arms and legs

It is important to recognize that your child’s description of their symptoms may not always be reliable—their desire to play may outweigh the value of an honest response. Any athlete with a suspected concussion should be monitored closely and evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.

The concussion initiative is vital to the well being of our student athletes. Continuing to participate or returning to participation before “all” symptoms have resolved after a concussion can result in long term problems. Persistent headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating or sleeping are just a few. With proper management most concussions will resolve in 1 or 2 weeks. Let’s remember, the health of the athlete is more important than the game itself. prevent, protect & play

Every sport is different, but there are steps your children can take to protect them from a concussion: knocked your noggin?

• Ensure that they follow their coach’s rules for safety and the rules of the sport.

• Encourage them to practice good sportsmanship at all times.

• Make sure they wear the right protective equipment for their activity [such as helmets, padding, shin guards, and eye and mouth guards]. Protective equipment should fit properly, be well maintained and worn consistently.

What to do:

• Seek medical attention right away. A health care professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child to return to sports.

• Keep your child out of play. Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your child return to play until a health care professional says it’s OK. Children who return to play too soon—while the brain is still healing—risk a greater chance of having a second concussion.

• Tell your child’s coach about any recent concussion. A health care professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child to return to sports.

A key player on Fargo’s Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine team, Dr. Jeffrey Lystad specializes in sports medicine, focusing on the treatment of athletic and activity injuries, and sports-related concussions. He is board certified in emergency medicine. An active individual himself, Dr. Lystad plays several sports and also enjoys riding motorcycle.