Question 1

why are adolescent athletes more prone to concussions?

Accepted Answer

Multiple reasons: Aggressiveness of activity
types of unprotected head strikes
lack of protective equipment- helmets, etc
fullness of the brain within the cranial vault
many other reasons.

Question 2

when should you take an athlete with a possible concussion to a hospital?

Accepted Answer

60 seconds: If your player has been "out" for more than 60 seconds that demands a trip to the er in my opinion.

Question 3

could you tell me what are some clues that an athlete may be hiding a concussion?

Accepted Answer

Several things: Post concussive symptoms can include dizziness, headache, poor concentration, irritability, poor performance and visual blurring as well as other non-specific neurologic manifestations . Some folks are just not themselves and concentration is poor.

Question 4

how long must a high school athlete wait to play again after a concussion?

Accepted Answer

Complete recovery: Return to play for a high school athlete should not be considered til all symptoms have resolved. It is important that the athlete have no symptoms during exercise as well. As the athlete heals, they will have no symptoms at rest but exertion can cause mild symptoms. If they are at this point, they should refrain from competing. If you have access to baseline neuro testing, a repeat test may help.

Question 5

what methods are used to monitor an athletes condition after a concussion/ head injury? what issues are associated with these methods? are the quantitative and reliable?

thank you in advance?

Accepted Answer

Neuro cognitive test: Most athletes are screened pre season with a neuro cognitive test for a baseline test. If a concussion occurs repeat tests can be ordered and compared to baseline. Very reliable.

Question 6

signs of concussion?

Accepted Answer

Dizziness: Dizziness especially with rapid head movements; confusion, loss of consciousness, strange sensation in areas of the body; garbled speech; weakness in an extremity; these depend upon the part of the brain affected; so not all of them may show in a particular case.  I struck the back of my head and had black vision for several seconds followed by vertigo for about 6 weeks without loss of consciousness.

Question 7

what are concussions?

Accepted Answer

Good question: Concussion is the transitory alteration of brain functions following trauma from a blow or from violent shaking of the brain. Symptoms can persist for days to months typically.

Question 8

what's a double concussion?

Accepted Answer

Very dangerous: There's a syndrome called "second impact syndrome" which can occur as someone has a second concussion while recovering from their first concussion.  The resultant injury to the brain can cause malignant cerebral edema (swelling) and this can be fatal- mortality is 50-100%.

Question 9

can you be concussion prone?

Accepted Answer

Yes: I don't know about "concussion prone", but there is evidence that shows that athletes who sustain a concussion are more likely to have another concussion. The effect of repetitive concussions can be very serious.

Question 10

what can cause a concussion?

Accepted Answer

Impact to head: Concussion is due to the brain absorbing force in either a direct or tangential force that causes the brain to "slosh" around inside the skull. This can cause neurological deficits that are usually temporary. Repeated concussions can lead to permanent brain damage, especially if they occur repeatedly before the effects of the prior concussion has resolved. Rarely in this situation death can occur.

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Doctor answers about:

Athlete concussion

A member asked:

Why are adolescent athletes more prone to concussions?

A member asked:

When should you take an athlete with a possible concussion to a hospital?

A member asked:

Could you tell me what are some clues that an athlete may be hiding a concussion?

A member asked:

How long must a high school athlete wait to play again after a concussion?

A member asked:

What methods are used to monitor an athletes condition after a concussion/ head injury? what issues are associated with these methods? are the quantitative and reliable? thank you in advance?

A member asked:

Signs of concussion?

A member asked:

What are concussions?

A member asked:

What's a double concussion?

A member asked:

Can you be concussion prone?

A member asked:

What can cause a concussion?

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