Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a blow, jolt or penetration to the head that disrupts the function of the brain. Most TBIs are caused by falls, jumps, motor vehicle traffic crashes, being struck by a person or a blunt object, and assault. Sstudent athletes are a specific worry, as they are put at risk more often. One such risk of concern is the high rate of concussions among teens compared to other age groups.
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Background
Many teens engage in extracurricular activities including sports which can be risky. Some sports at specific risk include basketball, cheerleading, soccer, and football. For example, football accounts for 45.8% of total reported head injuries for high schools in Missouri (MSHSAA 10). The Sports Concussion Institute states a concussion “can be caused either by a direct blow to the head, or an indirect blow to the body, causing neurological impairments that may resolve spontaneously”. The blow to the body causes a series of reactions in the brain which cause a variety of symptoms associated with disruption of the brain.
Prevention
Prevention efforts in high school athletics can start with high quality practice time for the sports in question. For example, a football player who learns the proper way to tackle, spends time in the weight room, and maintains overall good health choices is more likely to avoid situations which put them in harm’s way. Aside from proper learning of the game at hand, the best coaches and parents can to for the students is to educate themselves, as well as the athletes, on knowing the signs of a concussion, as well as being prepared to handle one.
Signs
The CDC gives a list of possible signs to look for in the players after a jolt to the head or body. These include a dazed appearance, confusion, forgetfulness, lack of confidence in actions, clumsy, slower than normal, loss of consciousness, changes in mood, behavior, or personality, and inability to remember events prior to, or after the hit. The student may report any of these signs as well as sensitivity to light or sound, double vision, a headache, or any abnormal feelings.
Diagnosis
Those students who have been diagnosed with a concussion are likely to be frustrated, impatient, and angry about the situation. A concussed player could be sitting on the bench for weeks to months depending on when medical professionals clear them to play.