The popularity of contact sports - including football, soccer, boxing, wrestling and hockey - in the United States exposes a large number of athletes to risk for brain injury. Non-contact sports, such as baseball, basketball, skateboarding, skiing and bicycling, have proven quite dangerous with athletes sustaining concussions and other head trauma, despite the use of helmets.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 300,000 sports-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) - mild to moderate in severity - occur in the United States each year. Most of these TBIs are classified as concussions. However, in many cases, concussions go undetected or underreported. Some athletes may even conceal their symptoms to continue playing in their sport.
The following are some common concussion symptoms:
• Blank facial expression
• Delayed verbal and motor responses
• Unable to focus and perform simple activities
• Confusion or disorientation
• Slurred or incoherent speech
• Noticeable lack of coordination
• Memory deficits
• Loss of consciousness
Failure to detect and treat a TBI or concussion can lead to detrimental effects for an athlete. Once a person suffers a TBI or concussion, he/she is four times more likely to sustain a second one. After several concussions, it takes less of a blow to cause another injury and requires more time to recover. Recurrent brain injuries that occur within a short period - also known as second impact syndrome - often lead to brain swelling, which can be quite serious or even fatal, and may not respond to medical treatment. Brain damage caused by multiple concussions is called chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Fortunately, recurrent brain injuries are highly preventable. In October 2010, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) revised its recommendations for the management of sports-related TBIs or concussions. These recommendations are designed to prevent second impact syndrome and reduce the frequency of other cumulative brain injuries related to sports. Physicians, health and physical education instructors, athletic coaches and trainers, parents of children participating in contact sports, and the general public should become familiar with these latest recommendations. The AAN advises implementing a policy that adheres to the following:
• Any athlete who is suspected to have suffered a concussion should be removed from participation until he or she is evaluated by a physician with training in the evaluation and management of sports concussions.
• No athlete should be allowed to participate in sports if he/she is still experiencing symptoms from a concussion.
• Following a concussion, a neurologist or physician with proper training should be consulted prior to clearing the athlete for return to participation.
• A certified athletic trainer should be present at all sporting events, including practices, where athletes are at risk for concussion.
• Education efforts should be maximized to improve the understanding of concussion by all athletes, parents, and coaches.
