Concussions
By: Jackson Aman
The term concussion means an injury to the brain, and many of these type injuries are preventable by using protective headgear when participating in activities that could result in a significant head injury. Although not completely preventable, safety precautions can be taken to prevent most avoidable concussions.
Concussion Prevention
Concussions are common occurrences in the sport of football. Football programs have precautions for concussions such as taking the athlete out of the game until they are examined by professionals. Even if the athlete is seen by a professional they should keep them from play for that day. Once the day is over however the athlete may return to play.
The use of protective headgear can dramatically decrease the risk of concussion when engaging in any of the following activities:
- Contact martial arts sports such as boxing, karate, and others
- Football
- Hockey
- Rollerblading
- Cycling (bicycles and motorized)
- Baseball
- Skateboarding
Another major cause of head injuries occurs in motor vehicle accidents. people who drive or ride in vehicles should always use seat belts.{Cunha 5}.
Concussion Medical Treatment
A concussion is not a life-threatening injury, but in most situations it is important to have a full medical examination. Ice may be applied to bumps to relieve pain and decrease swelling{Cunha 1}.Cuts are made numbed by such medications as lidocaine.
Bed rest, fluids, and a mild pain reliever such as acetaminophen(Tylenol) may be prescribed{Cunha 7}
Concussion Symptoms
This is a short few out of the many symptoms of a concussion.
Loss of consciousness after any trauma to the head
Confusion
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Blurred vision{Cunha 1}. These symptoms will not always come directly after the concussion. There have been cases where the symptoms come days after.
Although not completely preventable, safety precautions can be taken to prevent most avoidable concussions and to lessen the likelihood of damage. The term concussion describes an injury to the brain resulting from an impact to the head. By definition, a concussion is not a life-threatening injury, but it can cause both short-term and long-term problems. {Cunha 1}. A concussion may not force the person out of consciousness but it is still advised to see a professional if you receive a hard blow to the head. A concussion results from a closed-head type of injury and does not include injuries in which there is bleeding under the skull or into the brain.
Works Cited
"Concussion." Definition. N.p., 22 Feb. 2011. Web. 05 Feb. 2014.