Do I Have A Concussion

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Do I have a Concussion? 

The brain controls all functions of the human body, so it is critical to any athlete’s success at any age. Since you only have one brain, it should be carefully and deliberately protected. This is especially true when playing  contact sports.

So, how do I know if I have a concussion?  If you hurt your head, especially while playing in contact activities, you may have a concussion.  The only way to tell is to be evaluated by a Certified Athletic Trainer or another health care clinician.  Any injury to your head should be taken very seriously. A concussion is a traumatic injury to your brain. It is important that parents, coaches, and athletes know how to check for a concussion. All head injuries should be checked for concussion by a healthcare professional.  The FHSAA has very strict protocols for concussions in high school athletics.  These protocols are to ensure the safety of all athletes.  This article will provide the answer for Do I have a concussion?

How to Tell if you have a concussion 

Symptoms of Concussion

So, how do you check for a concussion?  Immediately following the injury, check for these symptoms of a concussion:

• Loss of consciousness 
• Slurred speech
• Appears dazed or confused
• Doesn’t remember what happened
• Does not remember events after the injury
• Gives delayed answers to questions
• Nausea/vomiting
• Impaired balance or coordination
• Headache or pressure in the head
• Ringing in the ears
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision 
• Chronic fatigue

Be sure to carefully observe the individual for at least 4 hours following the injury. The injured person should not be left alone in case they require emergency medical treatment. If symptoms worsen within an hour of the accident, the individual should be referred to the nearest emergency room to check for a severe concussion and/or brain bleed.

You should check for concussion symptoms for several days following the injury, as some symptoms may not appear immediately. Be especially watchful for the following:

• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Disturbances in sleep
• Difficulty concentrating or recalling information
• Depression, irritability or changes in personality
• Seizures

When to Seek Medical Care

In the event of any head injury more severe than a light bump on the head, you should see a doctor within 1 to 2 days.  The severity of the symptoms should determine if emergency care is necessary. The injury is considered mild if the person remains alert, moves normally, and clearly replies to questions. If you are in Jacksonville, you can make an appointment with Dr. Yorio.  Dr. Yorio is a primary care and Sports Medicine physician at JOI.  He specializes in the recognition and management of concussions.  He manages the JOI concussion center next to the Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute at San Marco.  Dr. Yorio is also the Primary Care Physician for the Jacksonville Jaguars.  For an appointment, please call 904-JOI-2000.

Any of the following symptoms require immediate emergency care:

• Any Loss of consciousness
• A headache that worsens over time
• Significant changes in behavior, i.e. irritability, abnormal aggression, disproportionate reactions, irrational emotions
• Changes in speech
• Repeated vomiting
• Stumbling or clumsiness
• Disorientation or confusion, like not recognizing people or places
• Seizures
• Dilated pupils or visual difficulties

Do I have a Concussion? 

Warnings for Athletes About Concussions

• Do not return to play or vigorous activities when symptoms of concussion are present. You physician should clear you to return to school and sport activities. 
• An athlete should not return to play until they have been checked by an athletic trainer or other medical professional.
• Athletes with a concussion should not return to play on the same day as the injury. Some minor symptoms can progress with a concussion. 

Returning to play too soon after a concussion could lead to further injury. If an athlete experiences another concussion before fully recovered, this could lead to Second Impact Syndrome.  This syndrome can lead to permanent injury, including paralysis, coma, and even death.

Why to check for concussion after any head injury

Head injuries, especially concussions affect brain function, usually for only a short time. However, serious concussions may cause bleeding in or around the brain. This bleeding can be fatal.  So, it is especially important to check for concussion symptoms resulting from any head injury for several hours.  You should seek emergency care if the symptoms become more severe. It is always a good idea to seek professional medical assistance from an athletic trainer, first responder, or other health care professional trained to check for concussion.

A healthy brain provides optimum control over all body functions. Athletic performance is always greater when all of the body is functioning at its best. Take good care of your brain, and it will take good care of you!

If you want to learn more about Football Injuries, go to: football injuries.  JOI Rehab provides therapy for athletes who have suffered a concussion. To schedule an appointment for physical therapy at JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.

Finally, to make an appointment with Dr. Yorio with the Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute, please call 904-JOI-2000, schedule Online or Click to the link Below.

By: Michelle Duclos, Sports Medicine Director

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