How to Reduce the Risk of Sports-Related Concussion

With sports such as football in full swing right now, it is important to be aware of the common injuries associated with the sport. One of these common sports-related injuries is concussion.

Concussion, also referred to as moderate traumatic brain injury, is a form of head injury that leads to temporary loss in brain function. This form of brain injury, which is common among males aged 15 to 24 years old, can have effects on one's physical and cognitive function.

Athletes who have had concussion are at risk for physical and cognitive processes decline in later years. This is according to a study done at Universite de Montreal, Canada.

There are several events that can lead to concussion. These include vehicular accidents, falls, and sports. If you're an athlete, you can reduce your risk from having a concussion through the following:

• Wear a helmet and make sure that it fits

A loose fitting helmet or one in poor condition is not better than wearing no helmet. The helmet is meant to protect your head so if it doesn't fit you well or it's not in good condition, then it's least likely to protect your head from any form of injury. 

• Meet with trainers and coaches

If your child is an athlete then you should meet their coaches and trainers and talk with them regarding the school's policy on concussion. At no age should a student athlete return after suffering from concussion, no matter how mild the injury may be. 

• Rest when exhausted

It's when athletes are tired that most concussions happen. Aside from making sure that they're in good shape, they should also know when to take a rest. 

• Stay hydrated

Like exhaustion, dehydration may cause the athlete to go really limp, increasing the risk of concussion.

Concussion Management and Age

Age can affect how sports-related injuries like concussion is managed. It turns out in some research that high school athletes are more likely to recover longer from a concussion compared to a collegiate or professional athlete. High school athletes are also more likely to suffer from severe symptoms and neurological disturbances. 

Returning to Play After Concussion

After suffering from concussion, an athlete is usually required to undergo several tests before he/she is allowed to play again. Aside from neuropsychological testing, an athlete may also undergo vestibular balance test. On top of these, a thorough assessment of the symptoms is done to ensure the athlete's safety after the injury. 

What is a Physiatrist?

Physiatrists, or rehabilitation physicians, are nerve, muscle, and bone experts who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move

Rehabilitation physicians are medical doctors who have completed training in the medical specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). Specifically, rehabilitation physicians:

• Diagnose and treat pain
• Restore maximum function lost through injury, illness or disabling conditions
• Treat the whole person, not just the problem area
• Lead a team of medical professionals
• Provide non-surgical treatments
• Explain your medical problems and treatment/prevention plan

The job of a rehabilitation physician is to treat any disability resulting from disease or injury, from sore shoulders to spinal cord injuries. The focus is on the development of a comprehensive program for putting the pieces of a person's life back together after injury or disease – without surgery.

Rehabilitation physicians take the time needed to accurately pinpoint the source of an ailment. They then design a treatment plan that can be carried out by the patients themselves or with the help of the rehabilitation physician’s medical team. This medical team might include other physicians and health professionals, such as neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists. By providing an appropriate treatment plan, rehabilitation physicians help patients stay as active as possible at any age. Their broad medical expertise allows them to treat disabling conditions throughout a person’s lifetime.