There was a time when “toughing it out” after an injury on the field was considered admirable. Today, we know better.
The Minnesota Department of Health conducted a study using a sampling of only 39 public high schools in Minnesota (8% of Minnesota’s high schools), which reported 704 sports-related concussions. While the concussions ranged from mild to severe, the point is that each one is considered a brain injury, and that’s serious business.
Also serious laws are in place when it comes to concussions. *Minnesota Statute 121A.38 states that coaches or school officials should remove a youth athlete from participating in any athletic activity when the athlete:
- Shows signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion; or
- Is suspected of sustaining a concussion
The statute also indicates that when an athlete is removed from participating in sports due to a concussion, they may not return to play until they:
- No longer show signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with concussion.
- They are evaluated by a healthcare provider trained and experienced in evaluating and managing concussions, and the provider gives the athlete written permission to resume participation.
As local football, soccer, cheerleading, and lacrosse teams begin practice and games, athletes, parents, and coaches must know basic and important information about head injuries. Sometimes, the signs of a concussion are obvious; the patient is unconscious or acting “out of it” immediately after a head injury. However, signs and symptoms may be subtle and are not always immediate. That’s why it is important to understand what to look for after a head injury and when it is more than just a “bump on the head.”
A concussion can cause loss of consciousness, but many people with a concussion never lose consciousness.
Related Article: Overuse Injuries and Protecting Minnesota Student Athletes
Here are some of the physical symptoms a young athlete may experience if they have recently suffered a concussion or TBI:
- Headache or “pressure” in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Fatigue or feeling tired
- Blurry or double-vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Numbness or tingling
- Does not “feel right.”
- Moodiness
The most important thing to know if a young athlete has sustained a blow to the head is to seek medical attention, especially if you notice any concussion symptoms. The Urgency Room and its three Twin Cities locations often see head injuries. For each patient with a head injury, in addition to evaluating for concussion, our providers do an assessment for serious head injuries such as bleeding in the brain or skull fractures. For many patients, a history and physical exam is all that is needed, but some injuries are worrisome enough to require imaging of the brain and skull using a CT scan. CT scan is the test of choice to evaluate for bleeding in the brain or skull fracture, which can be performed at the Urgency Room.
If a concussion is diagnosed, rest is the key to recovering from head trauma. For young athletes sustaining a concussion, it is important to stop playing and sit it out immediately. Your brain needs time to heal properly, so rest is necessary. Coaches should closely monitor athletes and children upon resuming play.
Keep in mind that repeat concussions cause cumulative effects on the brain.
Sustaining a second concussion before recovering completely from the initial concussion is especially dangerous. Successive concussions can have devastating consequences, permanent brain damage, difficulties with memory, or other long-term disabilities.
Prevention is key to protecting yourself from serious head injuries. When necessary, wear a helmet, especially in sports like football, hockey, soccer, and while up at bat in softball or baseball. These are instances when a tackle or pitch can cause irreversible damage to an athlete not wearing head protection.
*Minnesota Department of Health
Dr. Matticks is the Medical Director of The Urgency Room, which has three Twin Cities locations in Eagan, Woodbury, and Vadnais Heights. Learn more at: www.urgencyroom.com.
