Concussion in sport
Within many full contact sports, concussion is a serious injury which can have a large impact upon an athlete’s performance, affecting their whole sporting career and day to day life style and, in some cases, quality of life. This means that it is essential that this injury is treated correctly, as well as ensuring that both health professionals and athletes are educated on the effects and risks involved with concussion.
What concussion is
Concussions are known as a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and are a major health concern, specifically in an environment involving contact sports. A concussion will typically occur when there has been a serious collision involving a ‘shaking’ of the brain, where the brain is rapidly moved within the cranium (Gleadhill et al., 2014). A potential concussion requires immediate medical attention to prevent further fatal injury. Concussions are likely to occur with an athlete who is competing in a contact sport such as rugby, football or hockey etc.
Signs and symptoms
It is essential that if a player is experiencing any symptoms of concussion, that they are immediately removed from the field of play for assessment and an ambulance should be called. A concussion can be identified through the following symptoms:
- Neck pain
- Blurred vision
- Severe/increasing headache
- Loss of/deteriorating consciousness
- Vomiting
- Dizziness/drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty remembering
With any symptoms present, it is important that immediate attention is given. Once in a safe environment, possible concussion can be assessed using a memory assessment. This involves asking the player questions relating to themselves, where they are or their sport. This could include asking which venue they are playing at, which half of the game they are currently playing in or if they know whether their team won their last game. This will help with diagnosis as these questions will test the players memory of facts that they are most likely to know. Failure to answer any of these questions correctly may suggest concussion (Davis, 2017).
After diagnoses of concussion, it is essential that the player is not returned to the field of play or activity until assessed medically, even if the symptoms resolve. The player is not to be left alone, consume alcohol or drive until assessed (Davis, 2017).
Ways to prevent concussion
The complete prevention of concussion within contact sport will not always be possible, however there are ways that the risk can be reduced. Equipment such as helmets, masks or mouth guards can help to provide protection and help reduce the risk of concussion, particularly in contact sports such as rugby, ice hockey and American football. However, there is no strong evidence to suggest that this will fully reduce the risk (BW Benson et al., 2009). Protective headgear can help decrease potential for TBI after a collision by reducing the amount of direct impact on the players head, which also helps to decrease the collision within the skull (DH. Daneshvar et al., 2011).
Protection using equipment is not enough to help prevent concussion alone. It is essential that coaches and players are educated on the importance of concussion and made aware of the effects that it can have. Ensuring that coaches and players etc have a good knowledge, skill and ability to treat a potential concussion and being aware of the signs and symptoms, can help to prevent injury or increase recovery time. This can be done by completing a first aid course and doing further research into how players can be protected from concussion.
References:
B W Benson, G M Hamilton,W H Meeuwisse, P McCrory, J Dvorak (2009),., Is protective equipment useful in preventing concussion? A systematic review of the literature,., British Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 43, Issue 1
Daniel H. Daneshvar, Christine M. Baugh, Christopher J. Nowinski, Ann C. McKee, Robert A. Stern, Robert C. Cantu (2011),., Helmets and Mouth Guards: The Role of Personal Equipment in Preventing Sport-Related Concussions,., Clinics In Sports Medicine, Volume 30 Issue 1, pages 145-163
Davis, G.A. (2017) Concussion Recognition Tool 5. British journal of sports medicine . Vol. 0, No. 1: 1.
Gleadhill, S., James , D.A., Maher-Sturgess, S.L. and Lee, J.B. (2014) Engagement by education for action: recommendations for educational interventions to prevent concussion in sport.. Engagement by education for action: recommendations for educational interventions to prevent concussion in sport.. Vol. 3, No. 3: 10-11.