Recognizing Concussions and Their Symptoms

Recognizing Concussions and Their Symptoms

(excerpt from Little League ASAP December 2011 Newsletter)

In the past decade, athletes and teams across the globe have been putting a greater emphasis on learning the signs of concussions and how to prevent them.

It’s estimated that nearly 10 percent of all participants in athletics will suffer a concussion within each respective season, some more severe than others1. Often times athletes can return full form, both mentally and physically.However, knowing the signs and symptoms of a concussion are critical in making proper decisions onwhen to return to the playing arena.

Many states have passed laws that impact organized youth sports programs such as Little League. For additional information on the laws governing your state, Little League International recommends that its leagues review the information available at the Center for Disease Control website (). The brain is the most powerful organ in the human body, taking all precautions in determining its wellbeing is essential for long term health and participation in athletics. More information on concussions is expected to be available through the Little League website.

Knowing the Symptoms

Concussions are an injury like none other. One cannot see the damage on the outside, there is no blood, and often times little or nothing to see that would resemble an everyday wound. Concussions occur when a persons head is hit causing the brain to pound against the wall of the skull, without noticeable exterior damage. Here’s what the Mayo Clinic suggests athletes, coaches, and parents to look for when an athlete has been hit in the head and concussion may have occurred: 2

Cognitive Response

• Not thinking clearly

• Feeling slow

• Inability to concentrate or remember new information

Physical Symptoms

• Headache

• Blurred vision and sensitivity to light

• Feeling lethargic or dizzy

• Having trouble balancing or walking

Emotional Symptoms

• Significant personality changes

• Emotional swings, easily sad, nervous or anxious

• Some emotional symptoms can be long term and could result in a lack of interest in activities that were once hobbies

• Depression3

Symptoms in Children

Many of the symptoms listed above are relevant to adults, teenagers, and children. However, some children may react slightly different to the trauma experiences and the long-term effects. Most are nonverbal traits; here is what to look for:

• Drawn out sensitivity and bad temper

• A loss of the ability to enjoy favorite activities, toys, and games

• Continuing fatigue

Should I take my athlete to the doctor?

One of the toughest decisions for parents is to know when to take their young athlete to the doctor, mainly because the wound is internal. It’s suggested that anyone who experiences a head injury, despite the level of emergency care needed, should seek the opinion of a doctor within two days of the incident. If any of the following symptoms occur the athlete should be taken immediately to the proper emergency care facility:

• Vomiting, vision impairment, or slurred speech

• Any changes in the breathing pattern

• Any sign of blood or fluid that is coming from the nose or ears

• Bruises or large bumps

• Continued confusion, dizziness, or irritability

• Prolonged headache that continues to get worse

1 – Sports Concussion Institute (SCI)

2 – The Mayo Clinic

3 – SportsConcussions.org