There has been a lot of discussion in recent years about concussions in sports. This is because concussions can have serious short-term and long-term effects, yet they are often not taken as seriously as they should be.
There are several reasons why this type of injury may not be taken as seriously as others. First, the symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not be immediately apparent. Second, many people downplay the seriousness of the injury, thinking that they are just “part of the game.” Third, there is often pressure to continue playing despite having suffered a concussion.
In this article, we’ll look at the causes and symptoms of concussion before considering the potential long-term effects of what can be a debilitating injury.
Concussions from sports
When playing a contact sport, there comes an element of risk. However, if any of the following indicators of negligence were present, then it could result in concussion compensation being paid:
- Poor levels of supervision or coaching.
- Unsafe playing conditions.
- Violence on the pitch.
- Pitch furniture such as goals or posts falling onto the player because it had not been appropriately secured.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of brain injury that is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a fall or hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging the brain cells.
Concussions are serious injuries that can have long-term effects on your health. It is essential to seek medical attention right away if you think you may have suffered a concussion.
What are the Symptoms of a Concussion?
The symptoms of a concussion can be divided into four categories: physical, mental, emotional, and sleep. Not everyone will experience all of the issues, and they can range from mild to severe.
Physical symptoms
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
- dizziness or balance problems
- blurred vision
- light sensitivity
- noise sensitivity
- fatigue or drowsiness
Emotional effects
Emotional effects are common after a concussion and can last for days, weeks, or even longer. It is important to be patient with yourself and allow yourself time to heal. If you are concerned about your emotional state, please talk to your doctor.
The emotional effects of concussion include –
- feeling more irritable, anxious, or depressed than usual
- having mood swings; or personality changes
Mental Effects
- have trouble thinking clearly
- feel slowed down
- have difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
These symptoms are also common after a concussion and can make it hard to do daily tasks, such as work or schoolwork. Sleep disturbances are common following a head trauma. You may find that you need more sleep than usual or have trouble falling asleep. You may also have vivid dreams or nightmares.
What is the Treatment for a Concussion?
The best treatment for a concussion is rest. This means physical and mental rest. You should avoid any activity that could lead to another head injury, such as contact sports. It’s also recommended that screen time is limited, and that includes TV, computers, and video games; this is because these activities can make concussion symptoms worse.
Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter or prescription medication to help with headaches and other symptoms. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking any medication.
In most cases, concussions will resolve on their own within a few weeks. However, some people may experience lingering symptoms for months or even longer. If your symptoms do not improve with time or you experience new or worsening symptoms, please contact your doctor.
What are the Long-Term Effects of a Concussion?
The long-term effects of a concussion can be serious. Some people may experience problems with thinking, memory, and mood changes, which can last for months or even years. In rare cases, concussions can lead to permanent brain damage or even death.
If you think you may have suffered a concussion, it is essential to seek medical attention right away. The sooner you are diagnosed and treated, the better your chances of making a full recovery.
So, Are Concussions Being Treated Seriously Enough in Sports?
In many cases, athletes who suffer a concussion are encouraged to “tough it out” and continue playing. This is especially common in contact sports like rugby and ice hockey. However, this is not the best course of action.
Athletes who suffer a concussion need time to rest and recover. Returning to play too soon can lead to second impact syndrome, which is when a second concussion occurs before the first has healed. This can be very dangerous and even fatal.
There have been several high-profile cases in recent years of athletes suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that has been linked to concussions. CTE can cause a wide range of symptoms, including problems with thinking, memory, mood, and behavior. In some cases, it can also lead to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
