Concussions
From The Nurse’s Clinic
It is that time of year again! Fall is in the air and football season is right around
the corner. Football is a rough and tumble sport which is part of its appeal and one of the
reasons it’s a national pastime. However as with any sport, injuries do occur, one of
which can be a concussion.
A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way in which the brain
works. It often occurs from a sudden blow to the head or from a fall that can cause the
brain to move rapidly back and forth. Concussions account for one in every 10 sports
injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In most
cases concussions are mild but should be taken seriously, especially in children and
teenagers whose brains are still developing.
Oftentimes, a concussion can be sustained without loss of consciousness. The
victim may experience symptoms immediately after the injury or it may take hours or
days for the symptoms to manifest. Symptoms that are commonly associated with
concussions are headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, blurry vision, sensitivity to light
or noise, and fatigue. Teachers and parents may notice the child is irritable, confused
about events, or appears dazed or stunned. Sometimes the child may show behavioral or
personality changes.
It is imperative that the student who experiences a blow or other injury to the head
receive medical attention promptly. Again, most concussions are mild but it may take
days or weeks for the child to fully recover. Physical activities should be avoided until a
health care professional has evaluated the child. The treatment for concussions involves
plenty of rest and limited activity so that the brain can heal. Always be alert of any
worsening symptoms that might indicate a more severe head injury such as difficulty
arousing the child, a headache worsens, repeated vomiting, slurred speech, seizure
activity, or increasing agitation. These signs and symptoms must be taken seriously and
medical attention should be sought immediately.
Brooke Cason, RN