What should you know about concussions?

Concussions most often are a result of a sports-related head collision. More than 300,000 sports-related head injuries are reported annually. But did you know not all concussions involve the loss of consciousness? In fact, most people who’ve suffered a concussion do not lose consciousness at all. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), it is the alteration of mental status resulting from a mechanical force of trauma.

The mild trauma does, however, affect short term memory. AANS noted that people with concussions often forget what happened right before or after the trauma. So what does that mean for someone in the long run?

Here’s what you should know about concussions:

• Concussions are classified as a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) which are normally acute events that are similar to other injuries
• Concussions most commonly occur among those who participate in contact sports such as: football, boxing or wrestling
• According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), females who participate in sports are more likely to have a concussion than males
• Concussions can lead to post-concussion syndrome, which is characterized by headaches and dizziness that can last up to weeks or months long
• Concussions can be treated with rest and minimizing stress
• According to Mayo Clinic, concussions can last up to 10 days

Although concussions can be minor in injury, there are ways to prevent a more severe trauma.

Prevention tips include:

• Wearing the proper head gear in sports-related activities – especially in contact sports
• Know and abide by all the rules of the sports game
• Always wear a seat belt when in a motor vehicle
• Always wear a helmet when on a bicycle, motorcycle and other similar vehicles

Many may underestimate the tools for concussion prevention. Make sure you’re aware of your surrounding and taking necessary precaution to prevent a traumatic brain injury as they can lead to long-lasting side effects.

Sources:

http://www.aans.org/patient%20information/conditions%20and%20treatments/concussion.aspx
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2140075/
http://www.webmd.com/brain/post-concussion-syndrome

Dr. Richard S. Lee is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spine conditions. Dr. Lee practices out Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Irvine. In his spare time, Dr. Lee enjoys running and cycling.