Concussion Awareness
What is a concussion? What are some signs of a concussion ? What are some effects or symptoms of a head injury or concussion? We as a community must be aware of these questions, and educated upon the serious matter in order to prevent them. The Brain Injury Awareness Association of America (BIAA) leads nation in observing Brain Injury Awareness Month by conducting an awareness campaign in March each year. This campaign strives to educate the community about the incidence of a brain injury and the needs of people with brain injuries and their families.
What is a concussion? A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when a head impact jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. If the head or body receives a significant hit, the brain may crash into the skull and cause a mild or severe injury. Concussions can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage. The stronger the hit to the head or body is, the greater chance of injury there is. 1 in 5 high school athletes will sustain a concussion this year- most of them will occur at practice as more than 33% of sports-related concussions happen a practice.
What are some signs of a concussion? About 90% of diagnosed concussions do not involve loss of consciousness; this makes it imperative to look for signs of concussion. Some signs of a concussion include:
What are some effects or symptoms of a head injury or concussion? Concussions are often mild and heal themselves without a problem. However some head injuries can cause serious and permanent damage; dangerous swelling and bleeding inside the brain may occur a head impact. Possible complications from a concussion or serious brain injury may include post-concussion syndrome. Post concussion syndrome is characterized by persistent concussion symptoms. Some concussion symptoms may include:
What is a concussion? A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when a head impact jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. If the head or body receives a significant hit, the brain may crash into the skull and cause a mild or severe injury. Concussions can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage. The stronger the hit to the head or body is, the greater chance of injury there is. 1 in 5 high school athletes will sustain a concussion this year- most of them will occur at practice as more than 33% of sports-related concussions happen a practice.
What are some signs of a concussion? About 90% of diagnosed concussions do not involve loss of consciousness; this makes it imperative to look for signs of concussion. Some signs of a concussion include:
- Poor balance or coordination
- Slow or slurred speech
- Poor concentration
- Delayed responses to questions
- Vacant staring off
- Deterioration in sport performance
- Unusual emotion and/or personality change
What are some effects or symptoms of a head injury or concussion? Concussions are often mild and heal themselves without a problem. However some head injuries can cause serious and permanent damage; dangerous swelling and bleeding inside the brain may occur a head impact. Possible complications from a concussion or serious brain injury may include post-concussion syndrome. Post concussion syndrome is characterized by persistent concussion symptoms. Some concussion symptoms may include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Feeling Dazed
- Sensitivity to light
- Ringing in the ears
- Tiredness
- Irritability
- Confusion/Disorientation
- Problems with memory and attention
Concussion Prevention
Although soccer concussions can't be completely eliminated, there are a few ways to minimize their frequency and to help prevent from receiving a concussion. Soccer officials should maintain a tight, and clean game to prevent concussions or other injuries from occurring. Balls should be properly inflated, and soccer players should be taught how to properly head the ball during a game (US Youth Soccer recommends for children under 10 years of age, should not be allowed to head the ball). Headgear is also sold to help prevent head or brain injuries while playing soccer. For additional information about protective headgear, please visit www.forcefieldheadbands.com or www.full90.com.
An example of implements U.S. Soccer has made to protect and to decrease the frequency of concussions in soccer can be seen to the right. |
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