Concussion

For decades, concussions have been at the forefront of discussions addressing sports-related injuries. Research demonstrates the prevalence of concussions in athletes and the potential for prolonged symptoms and increased risk of catastrophic events when playing through a concussion. While more research is needed, poorly managed concussions may lead to long-term consequences, including neurodegenerative diseases.

A concussion is a unique traumatic event, manifesting differently in each individual. Symptoms, recovery trajectory, and susceptibility to future injuries (concussive and non-concussive) can vary, influenced by factors such as:

• Continued athletic participation post-injury
• Age and sex of the concussed individual
• Short-term and long-term treatment
• Pre-existing conditions in mental health, physical health, nutrition, sleep, and genetic constitution

Understanding these contributing factors is crucial for appropriate treatment and management.

At Comprehensive Sports Medicine, we recommend seeking evaluation from healthcare providers experienced in concussion management. While symptoms and recovery may vary, certain general guidelines are worth noting. In cases of concern regarding severe head injury, immediate medical attention is necessary, indicated by warning signs such as repeated nausea and vomiting, decreased alertness, dilated pupils, and seizures.

Once a concussion is confirmed, treatment typically involves a relative rest period of approximately two days, followed by a gradual return to cognitive activities and light aerobic exercise. It’s important to consider that pediatric/adolescent patients may require more recovery time compared to college-aged individuals. Additional factors like previous head injuries, gender, learning disabilities, mental health issues, and prior headache history can also influence recovery duration.

Concussion symptoms can vary widely and may require treatment. Headaches are a common symptom, attributable to the concussion itself, neck injuries, or skull-related issues. Changes in eye function are frequently observed and can contribute to headaches. For a comprehensive list of potential headache causes after a head injury, please refer to this link: [Headaches].

Sleep disturbances are common and can range from excessive sleepiness to difficulty sleeping and excessive arousal. While most sleep changes resolve on their own, medication may be considered in select cases.

Concussions often impact the visual system, with most issues resolving without intervention. However, specialized therapy may be necessary in some cases.

Neck injuries frequently accompany concussions due to the whiplash motion of the head, contributing to headaches and dizziness. Physical therapy can be beneficial in addressing these cervical issues.

Cognitive and emotional symptoms are part of the concussion spectrum, with many resolving without intervention. However, specific symptoms may require treatment.

In the realm of sports, a gradual return to play should be initiated when deemed appropriate. For detailed sport-specific return-to-play guidelines, please refer to this link: [Return-to-Play].

Seek evaluation from experienced healthcare providers at Comprehensive Sports Medicine for personalized concussion management and a safe return to play.