Sports Concussion
What is sports concussion? Sports concussions often occur in contact sports such as football, ice hockey, soccer and lacrosse, but they also occur in non-contact sports such as baseball, golf, and cheerleading. Most sports concussions don’t involve a loss or consciousness or a blow to the head, and many times, are overlooked by coaches and parents as they can be focused on the play. For most athletes, symptoms will resolve within two to four weeks, however for some, symptoms can persist for several months. Safe Return to Play If an impact or blow to the head is observed or suspected, and an athlete displays any of the above symptoms, they should follow the steps for a safe return to play. LEARN THE STEPS What are the signs and symptoms? What's the Difference?Signs of Sports ConcussionSymptoms Reported by AthleteWhat's the Difference? What makes a sport concussion different from other concussions? Athletes want to get back to play as soon as possible and may disregard other symptoms. The risk for a second concussion is higher when young athletes return to practice or competition too soon. The NJ Concussion Law has certain requirements before a student athlete can return to practice or competition. Signs of Sports Concussion Feel dazed or stunned Confusion Forgets plays or coaches instruction Uncertainty about opponents, time (e.g., which half, quarter), or score Alterations in coordination or clumsiness Gait or balance problems Shows personality, mood, or behavior change Forgets events prior to or after the impact Loss of consciousness Symptoms Reported by Athlete Headache or pressure in the head Dizziness Balance Problems Nausea or Vomiting Sensitivity to light Sensitivity to noise Lethargy or fatigue Problems remembering Poor attention/concentration Not feeling right Slowed processing Numbness or tingling Sleep problems How to manage a sports concussion How a sports concussion is diagnosed A sports concussion is a medical diagnosis and should be evaluated and diagnosed by a physician. Athletes may report symptoms during the game or after, and sometimes days later. These symptoms should be taken as seriously as those reported on the day of the impact, and the athlete should be evaluated by a physician. A doctor will review how the impact occurred, signs and symptoms, and medical history. They will also conduct a neurological examination which assesses vision, hearing, balance, coordination, and cognitive functions. Concussions should be managed by medical physicians and licensed healthcare providers who have specialized training in the management and treatment of concussion. Recovery from sports related concussion Cognitive and physical rest The standard of care following a diagnosis of concussion is physical and cognitive rest. During the first few days of recovery, athletes who have sustained concussion should restrict physical AND cognitive activities that require attention and concentration, as they may exacerbate and possibly prolong overall recovery. It is expected that athletes who have sustained concussion who limit relevant physical and cognitive activities will not require further intervention and will recover spontaneously. What limiting cognitive and physical rest looks like Student Athletes should be provided with a return to learn plan and a set of personalized academic accommodations to assist in their recovery. Some athletes may be [...]