Concussions/CTE

We know that concussions are becoming a more prevalent issue in sports at all levels; the causes of the rise in reported concussions are unclear. I believe the reason for the increase in reports is because of the increased awareness, and advocacy for proper treatment and recovery when a concussion is sustained. Anyone who is involved with a sport, either a player, coach, or parent should be able to identify signs that indicate a possible concussion. first, we must understand what a concussion is;  “A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. Although there may be cuts or bruises on the head or face, there may be no other visible signs of a brain injury.1”

Some of the identifiers of a concussion are complaints of headache or pressure in the head, vomiting after a blow was sustained; balance problems or dizziness, double or blurry vision, bothered by light or noise, feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, groggy, confusion, and concentration or memory problems are other tell tale signs. While the treatment for a concussion is time and rest, it is very crucial that you take the appropriate amount of time away from physical activity that cause the brain to shift after suffering a concussion. The brain becomes extremely susceptible to a second injury after the onset of the first. Post concussion care and monitoring are extremely important. Athletes should not be allowed to return to play until clearing concussion protocol testing. They should also be monitored for long term effects of a concussion, we are finding new information linking concussions to CTE, Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) describes a gradual degeneration in brain function due to repeated head injuries that causes both concussions with symptoms and concussions that are asymptomatic (do not cause symptoms).2 Over time CTE manifest like a concussion but the symptoms get progressively worse;  “Emotions get labile and the patient can become aggressive and psychotic. As CTE progresses, behavior becomes even more erratic, with aggression and symptoms similar to those of Parkinson's disease.2”