“Sports-Related Concussions” Damon Jefferson

 “Every year the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 300,000 concussions are sustained during sport-related activity in the United States, although the exact incidence is unknown due to lack of recognition or failure of the individual to report symptoms” (Batten, 2008, p.1).

 Definition...  A concussion occurs when there is a temporary alteration in consciousness after a severe blow to the head. A concussion is the least severe of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

 Sports-related concussions generally occur in the following contact sports: FootballBoxing HockeySoccer

COGNITIVE SYMPTOMSPHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

There have been numerous grading systems devised to assist doctors and certified athletic trainers with determining the severity of a concussion. The most widely and universally used grading system was developed by the American Academy of Neurology…. TYPES COMPLEX CONCUSSIONS SIMPLE CONCUSSIONS

 Simple Concussions  *Most common type (90% of all concussions)  *Exhibit symptoms that progressively resolve in 7-10 days  Complex Concussions  *Cause persistent symptoms (>1-2 weeks)  *Loss of Consciousness greater than 1 minute  *Associated with post concussive convulsions  *Sustains additional concussion while recovering from initial concussion

SIMPLE CONCUSSIONSCOMPLEX CONCUSSIONS Final clearance by medical doctor Once asymptomatic, subject to monitored non-contact drills Rest until asymptomatic Neuroimaging should be considered (CAT or CT scan, MRI) Formal neuropsychological testing Should be evaluated by a medical practitioner

 Second Impact Syndrome -Occurs when the athlete receives a second strike after still being symptomatic from a previous concussion - -Rapid brain swelling occurs over seconds to minutes - -Bleak prognosis (usually results in death or permanent brain damage) Post-Concussions Syndrome - Symptoms are present more than 1 week from initial injury -Usually require formal neuropsychological testing Post-Concussive Syndrome -Seizures -Not due to structural brain damage

 Although some injuries are unavoidable, sport organizations have placed a greater emphasis on minimizing traumatic injuries. Eliminating spear tackling in football Improving helmet quality Mouthpiece requirement Neck strengthening exercises

An advance MRI version No exposure to radiation Only a handful in operation in labs Easier to track recovery progress of concussion fMRI Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

 All concussions should be taken seriously.  A concussion is a form of a brain injury ranging from mild to serious (death ).  Concussions do not have to be followed by a loss of consciousness. Recognition of when they first occur is the most critical time for recovery.

 Batten, C. (2008). Sports related concussion: traumatic brain injury (TBI), mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), closed head injury (CHI)  Mitchko, J., Huitric, M., Sarmiento, K., Hayes, G., Pruzan, M. & Sawyer, R. (2007). CDC’s approach to educating coaches about sports-related concussions. American Journal of Health Education, 38(2),