10 Interesting Facts about Concussions
A concussion is the most common type of head injury in athletes. It occurs when a force jars the brain against the skull. It can result directly from a blow to the head or indirectly from a sudden jolt to the body, causing a whiplash type of effect to the spine and head. Concussions cause damage to brain tissue and need to be taken seriously. Here are 10 interesting facts (adopted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as several medical journals) about concussions that could be beneficial to coaches, parents, and players going into the spring soccer season.
1. A concussion IS considered a brain injury.
2. You do not have to lose consciousness to be diagnosed with a concussion! In one study published in the journal, Pediatrics, in 2010, they found that less than 10% of those diagnosed actually lose consciousness at the time of injury.
3. You do not need to hit your head to sustain a concussion. A concussion can occur anytime the brain moves rapidly inside of the skull. That’s why whiplash type injuries can also result in concussions.
4. The most common causes of concussions are with sports-related injuries, bike, car, and playground accidents, and falls.
5. Headache and dizziness are the two most commonly reported symptoms after a concussion.
6. If you have sustained a concussion, you are more susceptible to getting another concussion. Therefore, it is extremely important to make sure that you take the right steps in transitioning back to sports or work to decrease the risk for further injury.
7. 25% of people who have suffered a concussion fail to consult with a healthcare professional.
8. Post-concussion Syndrome is when symptoms linger for weeks or months after the initial injury.
9. Impact speed of a soccer player heading the ball is estimated at times as high as 40-70mph.
10. Physical therapy CAN HELP YOU get back to your sport safely after suffering a concussion! Omaha Physical Therapy Institute’s physical therapists are trained in the evaluation and treatment of concussions. Once an athlete has been evaluated by a physician and diagnosed with a concussion, the athlete could benefit from a physical therapy evaluation.
If you have any questions regarding concussions or treatment of concussions, feel free to contact Omaha Physical Therapy Institute (OPTI) at (402)934-8688!
www.OmahaPTI.com
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