Concussions: Common Yet Deadly
| 28 October 2009
What is often a common part of team sports; tackling, pinning, and blocking, could result in a serious injury, putting your child out of the game both physically and mentally. While paramedics are often called to treat athletes for obvious concussions, many athletes continue to play after sustaining a hard hit, without knowing the extent of their injuries.
Concussions are more common than most parents probably imagine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that concussions account for one in ten sports-related injuries. However, when left untreated, concussions can result in life-long problems with attention, coordination, irritability, and even vision.
There is good news! There are simple steps athletes can take to make sure it is safe to return to play after a receiving hard hit, including review of the following concussion checklist and a visit to a family physician or urgent care center. It is imperative to see a primary care physician or urgent care doctor if any of the following symptoms is present.
After a hard hit look for the following signs of concussion:
- Loss of memory
- Ringing in ears
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Feeling dizzy, dazed or lightheaded
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
- Difficulty focusing thought or making decisions
- Feeling extremely tired
- Worsened coordination or balance
- Irritability
Call 911 if, for any amount of time, the injured player looses consciousness, has a severe headache, or repeated vomiting.
AfterOurs Urgent Care offers “Get Back in the Game” sports physicals. For more information contact the AfterOurs clinic nearest you.
Information on concussions, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/
