Did You Know That A Concussion Is Really A Traumatic Brain Injury?
away, seizure, numbness or weakness anywhere in the body. If you ever suspect someone has a concussion ALWAYS seek immediate medical attention!
Fall has arrived and so have fall sports. As is inevitable every year, the topic of concussions in sports will make its way into the head- lines. As both a parent of athletes and as a physical therapist, I have a keen interest in concussions and how best to avoid and treat them. I wanted to take this opportunity to share some thoughts. What Exactly Is a Concussion? The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Basically, a concussion is an injury to the brain that disrupts the brain cells ability to send signals normally. Most concussions are the result of a blow or sudden jarring movement of the head. The brain rap- idly accelerates and then decelerates as it moves inside the skull.
What’s The Big Deal? A concussion is the ONLY sports injury that can affect a student athletes personality as well as their ability to learn in school. Since a concussion disrupts the normal functioning of the brain, it can cause significant and possibly permanent neurological prob- lems if not treated properly. Don’t People Recover In Just a Week or Two? While many concussions respond well to rest and modified activity, it is possible for concussion symptoms to last for months. A history of previous concussions is often associated with a longer recovery. It is critical that a person fully recovers from a concus- sion before resuming any sport/activity where another blow to the head can occur.
What Are The Symptoms? The symptoms of a concussion can vary and may not show up right away. Some symptoms include:
• Sleeping more/less • Sensitivity to light//noise • Nausea • Difficulty concentrating • Anxiety • Vomiting
• Headache • Trouble thinking clearly
• Blurry vision • Poor balance • Dizziness • Feeling “slow”
Want more info? Visit WWW.WAPTREHAB.COM/CONCUSSION-FACTS
Major warning signs include: loss of consciousness, slurred speech, repeated vomiting, headaches that worsen or don’t go
Washington Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation | 6725 116th Ave NE Ste 130 • Kirkland, WA 98033 P: 425.820.2110 • F: 425.820.2111 E: info@WAPTrehab.com • W: waptrehab.com
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