Sports Science: Intro to Concussions Intro to Sports Medicine And Athletic Training

What is a Concussion? The most common type of traumatic brain injury Can also be referred to as: mild brain injury, mild traumatic brain injury, mild head injury, minor head trauma A head injury with a temporary loss of brain function Can cause a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms

Treatment of concussion involves monitoring and rest Symptoms usually go away entirely within one to three weeks Symptoms may persist and complications may occur Repeated concussions can cause cumulative brain damage such as second-impact syndrome

Second Impact Syndrome Occurs when an athlete returns to sport too early after suffering from an initial concussion The brain is more vulnerable and susceptible to injury after an initial head/brain injury The athlete does not need to receive a strong second blow to the head to set the effects back into motion.

Second Impact can be Deadly!!! Brain circulation can be impaired due to trauma The brain’s ability to self-regulate the amount of blood volume to the brain is damaged resulting in increased cerebral blood volume which can result in brainstem herniation and death

Click on the video link to understand the terms behind a concussion injury: Qk