In the world of sport, especially contact sports, it's almost inevitable that athletes suffer injuries. Falls, blows, collisions with objects, fractures, sprains, injuries and much more. No sport is exempt from these risks, and athletes are well aware of them.
However, one of the most serious injuries to occur in sport is concussion. The increase in these injuries among athletes is very worrying. Recently, Canadian authorities estimated that there are over 200,000 concussions per year.
These traumatic brain injuries affect all types of athlete, from professional players to recreational sports enthusiasts. This phenomenon has become a serious problem, as a concussion leads to numerous long-term complications that go untreated.
A concussion leads to a wide range of symptoms that not only hinder sporting activity, but also affect a person's quality of life. In some cases, the signs may appear immediately, while others may not feel anything for some time.
Sometimes, this head injury can be silent. However, if you don't seek medical help after impact, symptoms can worsen. Fortunately, concussions are not life-threatening, but can be treated, and athletes can make a full recovery and resume their activities.
With medical care, and by following preventative measures (such as wearing protective equipment), the risk of these injuries can be significantly reduced. And if you play sport and want to know more about this interesting subject, then you've come to the right place!
As Physiobalance, the best physiotherapy and wellness center with the best professionals in Montreal, we explain everything you need to know about concussions and sports. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about these injuries and their implications!
Let's get started!
What are concussions?
Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that affect the proper functioning of the brain. These injuries result in altered mental status, loss of consciousness and other temporary effects (such as headaches, coordination, memory and balance problems).
What causes a concussion?
A concussion is the result of an impact to the head, which causes the brain to shake rapidly. Violent shaking, constant blows to the head and sudden movements of the upper body can also cause these injuries.
Concussions can generally follow a fall, a car accident or any other activity (everyday or work-related) that involves a high risk to the head. Sport, for example, is one of the most frequent causes of these injuries.
Athletes are more prone to concussion, especially those who play high-impact sports (soccer, boxing, American soccer, gymnastics, basketball, etc.) These contact sports expose the delicate brain structure to more blows or accidents.
Are concussions dangerous?
In general, concussions are not fatal. However, this does not rule out the possibility of serious injury. Most athletes who suffer a concussion usually recover within a few days. However, a concussion can lead to complications if left untreated.
But don't confuse a concussion with a head injury. Concussions are contusions that occur on the head. However, concussions directly affect the brain. But how does this happen? We need to take a look at the structure of our head.
Our brain is a flexible organ, housed inside our hard, sturdy skull. However, the brain is not totally fixed. You could say that our brain floats in cerebrospinal fluid, so a hard blow or collision will shake this delicate structure.
When this happens, the brain shakes or collides with the skull itself, causing loss of consciousness or temporary dysfunction. However, in severe cases, a really violent impact to the head can cause bruising, torn blood vessels and nerve damage.
Symptoms of a concussion
The symptoms of this injury can vary depending on the severity of the impact. It's not always possible for one athlete to lose consciousness, while others will. In other cases, the symptoms are not immediately obvious, so they will continue to play their sport until the discomfort appears.
This delay (up to several days) can be a little misleading, but the effects of concussion will always be felt. Amnesia, irritability, confusion, headaches and other more subtle signs. Let's review some of the signs resulting from this injury:
- Physical symptoms: headaches, ringing in the ears, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise, sleep disturbances, irregularities of taste and smell, etc.
- Cognitive symptoms: confusion, amnesia, temporary loss of consciousness, speech problems, slow response to stimuli, delay, forgetfulness, lack of concentration, memory problems, irritability, depression, etc.
How long does a concussion last?
This injury, after a sports or other accident, can last between 1 and 2 weeks. Recovery may seem slow, but as the days go by, you'll feel better. Sometimes it takes a while for symptoms to appear, so it depends on the severity of the impact.
Risks and complications of a sports concussion
Unfortunately, once an athlete has suffered a concussion, he or she is at increased risk of further concussions. In the long term, this can lead to numerous complications, such as spinal cord damage, seizures and even internal bleeding.
In some cases, when an athlete returns to sport without full recovery, or without a doctor's authorization, the risk increases. He or she may suffer from the notorious "second impact syndrome", which causes swelling of the brain that can be fatal.
Without proper care, other long-term complications include post-concussion syndrome (symptoms can last for months), post-traumatic headaches (can last for months), post-traumatic vertigo, chronic dizziness and brain damage from multiple head injuries.
What should you do after a sports concussion?
Once the injury has occurred, you must immediately cease all sporting activities. If you lose consciousness, your coaches or other team members will help you. Managers must have the necessary first-aid resources and experience.
When should you see a doctor?
After a concussion during sport, it's best to see a doctor or trauma specialist as soon as possible (whether you have symptoms or not). You can go to a doctor's office if the injury isn't serious, or you can be seen in the emergency room.
The doctor will ask you how the injury occurred and what your symptoms are. He or she will also do a physical examination, an eye test and tests to check for changes in your pupil size, eye movements, sensitivity to light and reaction time to stimuli.
However, if you develop more severe symptoms (such as seizures), you'll need to undergo complex tests. Doctors may order an MRI, CT brain scan or EEG to check for further damage or complications.
The importance of rest
If you've suffered a concussion, it's imperative that you take a break from sport or any other high-risk activity. You need to allow the brain to heal completely, to prevent long-term problems. Without sufficient recovery time, your brain can sustain further damage.
Although concussion symptoms are still present, you shouldn't set foot on the field or in the gym. Be patient and don't worry. If you take good care of yourself, you'll get back on the playing field. Another thing is that you should never continue playing sports on the day of the concussion.
When can I return to play after a concussion?
It's the first question anxious athletes ask after a concussion. And the answer is simple: when your doctor says so. It's essential that you wait for your doctor's approval, because concussion symptoms are deceptive.
At your leisure, you may think you feel fine, ready to take up sports. However, your coordination, balance, reaction time, memory and cognitive stability may not be back to normal. Only a specialist can assure you that you are ready to resume sport.
Often, the pressure, competitiveness, boredom or frustration of returning to the game means that athletes return to the field without medical clearance. This is a serious mistake, as it increases the risk of more serious, even irreversible, injuries.
You need to think about your health before you take up sport, because if you resume your sporting activities too soon, your brain (which is not yet fully recovered) will be exposed to new complications. Your return should be gradual, calm and always under the supervision of a qualified doctor.
How can I prevent concussion?
If you are a professional or amateur athlete and want to avoid the risk of head injury, here are some useful tips to help you minimize the risk of concussion:
1. Always wear protective equipment during sports and other leisure activities Make sure the equipment protects your head properly and is securely fastened. Equipment must be age-appropriate, certified and well-maintained.
2. Respect the rules of the sport. Fair play and honesty also help prevent accidents and concussions. Follow the rules of the sport you're playing for a safe and enjoyable experience.
3. Exercise regularly to strengthen your leg muscles and improve your balance, coordination and reaction time.
4. Avoid dangerous movements or risky techniques that you haven't yet mastered, to avoid head injuries.
5. Make others aware of the consequences of concussion. A well-informed sports team will make a difference if everyone follows the rules of safety and concussion prevention.
6. Keep in touch with a doctor who specializes in trauma and head injuries. You can also learn first aid in case you or your fellow athletes suffer a concussion.
Now that you know everything there is to know about concussions and sport, what are you waiting for to apply this information and these prevention tips to your sporting practice? Don't forget that these injuries become more complicated if they are not treated in time.
Try to play responsibly, respecting the rules and always wearing protective equipment, depending on the sport you play. There's nothing like playing sports safely! And if you've suffered a concussion and need professional intervention, our specialists can help!
At Physiobalance, we have a complete concussion management team. Our sports physicians, neurologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists will bring you all their knowledge and resources to help you make a successful recovery.
We offer a specialized intervention program that includes assessment, diagnosis and treatment, depending on your case. We are proud to be the first in Quebec to be accredited by the CIC Impact Test.
Our assessments are accurate and we'll relieve your symptoms by constantly monitoring your progress. We are experts in treating acute, sub-acute and chronic concussions with the best equipment. In our hands, you can safely return to sport!
And if you're looking for professional help to deal with another condition, we're your best option! At Physiobalance, we'll provide you with the best possible support for your speedy recovery. We have specialized professionals and use a variety of natural methods to optimize your physical condition.
We offer a variety of quality physiotherapeutic services, from occupational therapy, acupuncture, brain injury care, neurocircuitry, osteopathy and much more, our center is the most qualified to give you the best personalized treatment!
We're known for our warm, welcoming care in a friendly atmosphere. Our professionals will listen to your concerns and assess you with the best equipment. We'll give you fair advice and suggest the treatment that's right for you, depending on your particular condition.
You can find us in our three clinics located in Cœur de l'île, Montréal-Nord and Saint-Laurent! Our specialists guarantee you a successful rehabilitation, so don't hesitate to contact us. We care about your integrity and well-being!
Make an appointment with us! At Physiobalance, we're here to help you get back into shape! Restore your health with us!
