Concussions

A concussion may occur when there is a forceful bump, blow or jolt to the head or body that results in rapid movement to the head. This may or may not involve physical contact and can occur with whiplash or when the head strikes the ground. Concussions can occur with or without loss of consciousness. In fact, only five to ten percent of people with concussions are knocked unconscious.




An undiagnosed, unrecognized or poorly treated concussion can significantly prolong recovery and may cause permanent brain damage, or even have fatal consequences. Every coach, parent and athlete should be able to recognize the signs of a concussion and the steps to take after receiving one. A concussion might not be immediately obvious, because each concussion is unique and can cause multiple symptoms.

Concussion signs observed by coaching staff, parents and players

  • Appears dazed or stunned
  • Is confused about assignment or position
  • Forgets an instruction
  • Is unsure of game, score or opponent
  • Moves clumsily
  • Answers questions slowly
  • Loses consciousness (even briefly)
  • Shows mood, behavior or personality changes
  • Can’t recall events before or after the hit or fall
  • Has seizures or convulsions


Concussion symptoms reported by athletes

  • Headache or “pressure” in head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Balance problems or dizziness
  • Double or blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to light and/or noise
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
  • Concentration or memory problems
  • Confusion
  • Does not “feel right” or is “feeling down”


Suspected concussion action steps

  • Immediately remove athlete from play
  • Keep athlete with suspected concussion out of physical activity until they are seen by a medical professional
  • Get written permission to return from a medical professional trained in concussion management


Often, symptoms will worsen over a matter of days, and it is common for new symptoms to appear. symptoms may also worsen when the brain is stressed (e.g., when the athlete is studying or participating in a physical activity).


Athletes are much more likely to sustain a concussion if they’ve had one before, so prevention is even more important following a head injury. Athletes should get the rest needed to completely heal. Talk to your doctor about safety precautions to help prevent concussions or to minimize their effects.


CONCUSSION CLINIC

Wake Forest Baptist Health provides expert care for concussions. We conduct extensive research on brain injuries that athletes suffer. This gives our staff important data that can more effectively diagnose, treat and respond to brain injuries. If you suspect that an athlete has a concussion, contact the Wake Forest Baptist Health Concussion Clinic where we have medical professionals trained in concussion management. Contact: 336-716-WAKE


For more information, or to schedule an appointment with a Sports Medicine provider, click here.


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