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With nearly 3 million sports related concussions a year and awareness for this condition growing, you might be wondering exactly what a concussion is. A concussion occurs when an impact to the head or body causes the brain to shift or move inside the skull. No two concussions are the same. Although a serious injury, a concussion is treatable.
Here, you’ll learn about:
• Concussions and losing consciousness
• Evaluating an athlete for concussion
• Common myths about concussion
Last year, ReThinkConcussions.com was launched as part of an initiative to raise awareness about scientifically proven treatments currently available for concussion. The site offers an interactive guide to understanding concussions and how UPMC offers a comprehensive approach to this injury, creating best practice protocols for diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation. To learn more about how UPMC is ReThinking Concussions, visit:
• Concussions 101
• Our Treatment Approach
• Patient Success Stories
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string(3851) "Some of the fear surrounding a concussion stem from common misconceptions and lack of information about the injury, the possibility of a complete recovery, and safe-return-to-play strategies. At UPMC, we want to dispel these myths with active, multidisciplinary approaches to care, a prolific research program, and evidence-based outcomes.
The Loss of Consciousness Myth
One common myth about a concussion is that it only occurs, or more often occurs, following loss of consciousness. The truth is that concussions occur with or without loss of consciousness. In fact, more than 90 percent of concussions are not accompanied by a loss of consciousness.
A related myth is that when there is a loss of consciousness, this indicates a more serious concussion and a lengthy recovery period. Our research shows that loss of consciousness is not directly correlated to a longer recovery, and may even be associated with a shorter one.
Our Concussion Research
At the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, we are leaders in concussion research. In our 2011 study, Which On-field Signs/Symptoms Predict Protracted Recovery Times from Sports-Related Concussion Among High School Football Players?, we analyzed specific on-field signs and symptoms following sports-related concussions among a sample of high school football players in Western Pennsylvania.
Concussion Symptoms
Because recovering from a concussion varies from person to person, our research team attempted to identify predictors of a longer recovery based on common symptoms. In this study, longer recoveries were considered to last 21 days or more, while rapid recoveries were those under one week. The concussion signs and symptoms analyzed included:
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Posttraumatic amnesia
- Retrograde amnesia
- Imbalance
- Dizziness
- Visual problems
- Personality changes
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light/noise
- Numbness
- Vomiting
Our Findings
When compared with the other on-field signs and symptoms, a loss of consciousness less than one minute was less correlated to longer recovery times than other symptoms. Out of 107 study participants, only two reported loss of consciousness and experienced a longer recovery time. Thirty-four participants complaining of dizziness and 35 participants reporting headaches also experienced long recovery times.
These findings suggest that loss of conscious does not indicate a more severe injury or predict a longer recovery time.
Care for Your Concussion
At the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, we take a multidisciplinary approach to treating concussions based on each individual's symptoms. Whether a concussion includes loss of consciousness, our team of experts works to individualize care and to develop a treatment program to help every athlete, or non-athlete, eliminate their symptoms.
To learn more about our approach to treating concussions at the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, visit
rethinkconcussions.upmc.com to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, call 1-855-93-SPORT(77678).
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A common misconception about concussion is that it mostly occurs following loss of consciousness. The truth is concussions can occur with or without losing consciousness. Read on to learn more about the research conducted at UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program.Read More
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string(3831) "Nearly 3 million sports and recreation-related concussions occur every year. On the playing field, it's vital for coaches and medical staff to recognize a concussion as it happens, and take the appropriate steps to ensure the athlete's safety. This type of injury is most commonly caused by a blow to the head, but can also occur when the upper body is jolted or forcefully rattled. Concussions can happen in various sports and activities and can be very dangerous if not dealt with and treated in the correct manner. By understanding the specific signs and symptoms of a concussion, players, coaches and medical staff can be properly prepared for any serious injury that may occur on the field.
If you suspect an athlete has sustained a concussion, here are some helpful guidelines from Jonathan French, PsyD, of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program.
Orientation
Ask the athlete the following questions:
- What stadium is this?
- What month is it?
- What city is this?
- Who is the opposing team?
Memory
Ask the athlete the following questions:
- What happened in the prior quarter/period?
- Do you remember the hit?
- What do you remember just prior to the hit?
- What was the score of the game prior to the hit?
Concentration
Ask the athlete to do the following:
- Repeat the days of the week backward (starting with today).
- Repeat these numbers backward: 63 and 419.
Concussion Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms an athlete may report:
If an athlete has any of the above signs or symptoms, he/she should be removed from play.
When in doubt, sit them out.
If an athlete is removed from play due to a suspected concussion, they should be evaluated initially by the on-site medical staff if available. They should then follow up with a provider specifically trained in the treatment and management of concussions. Because concussions are common, particularly in contact sports such as football and hockey, this injury requires serious rest and recovery and should not be overlooked by fellow players, coaches or medical staff on scene. Most concussive brain injuries are mild, but by preparing for the worst we can ensure that all recreation-related activities are fun-filled and safe.
For more information, visit the
UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program website or call
1-855-93-SPORT.
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string(154) "Each year, nearly 3 million sports and recreation-related concussions occur. Review this on-field evaluation sheet and learn about the signs and symptoms."
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string(328) "It is crucial that coaches and medical staff are able to recognize signs of a concussion in their athletes. In additional they need to know the proper steps they need to take in order to deal with the injury in the correct manner. Our staff provided some helpful tips and guidelines to help with the evaluation and action steps."
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It is crucial that coaches and medical staff are able to recognize signs of a concussion in their athletes. In additional they need to know the proper steps they need to take in order to deal with the injury in the correct manner. Our staff provided some helpful tips and guidelines to help with the evaluation and action steps.Read More
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string(2886) "There are many misconceptions surrounding concussions. According to our research, one in 10 high school athletes who play contact sports will suffer a concussion this year. Fortunately, our knowledge about concussions has grown since we began treating patients in 2000. In the first installment of Concussion Myths, Alicia Sufrinko, Ph.D., explains the truth behind many of the most common misconceptions.
Myth: You must lose consciousness to have a concussion.
Fact: Loss of consciousness occurs in less than 10 percent of individuals with concussions.
Myth: You shouldn’t go to sleep after you sustain a concussion.
Fact: For many years, physicians recommended not going to sleep following a concussion and waking individuals with concussion several times throughout the night. We now know this is not necessary and that rest is the preferred immediate intervention.
Myth: Male athletes are more likely than females to get concussions.
Fact: Although the number of total males engaging in contact sports is higher than the number of males, females have a higher incidence rate of concussions and may have more complex recoveries.
Myth: There is no harm in finishing the game after hitting your head.
Fact: Once an injury occurs, the brain is in an extremely vulnerable state and is more susceptible to additional injury. It will take less force to re-injure a concussed brain. In addition, any physical or cognitive exertion immediately following an injury may exacerbate symptoms and prolong recovery. When in doubt, sit it out!
Myth: I don’t need to see a doctor if the only thing he or she will tell me is to get some rest.
Fact: While rest is often the first intervention, a comprehensive evaluation should take place in order to assess the severity of injury and to ensure that a proper treatment plan is put into place. In some situations, excess rest may negatively influence recovery.
Concussions are complex injuries, and because every situation is different, we always recommend seeking medical attention from a health professional trained in the management and treatment of concussions. To learn more about concussion treatment, visit the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program website."
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There are many misconceptions about concussions. Through our research and work our knowledge of concussions has grown. Erin Reynolds, PsyD, explains the truth behind some of the most common concussion myths.Read More
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string(3677) "Nearly three million sports and recreation related concussions happen every year. Each one of those concussions is a complex injury and therefore, there is no simple time frame for recovery.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, which is the ideal time to bring you Part 2 of Concussion Myth or Fact. Alicia Sufrinko, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist at UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, explains the facts behind some of the most common concussion myths.
Myth: You must be hit in the head to have a concussion.
Fact: A concussion can occur from direct or indirect forces to the head. A strong whiplash motion or body hit may provide enough force to cause a concussion.
Myth: Once your headache is gone, it’s okay to return to play.
Fact: While a headache is the most common symptom experienced, there are more than 20 symptoms of concussion. Therefore, it is not the only indicator that someone has recovered. The current International Return to Play Criteria states that an individual must be symptom free at rest, symptom free with physical exertion, and must demonstrate neurocognitive test data that is within baseline expectations. This requires a comprehensive evaluation by a trained medical professional. No athlete should return to play without proper clearance from a medical professional trained in concussion management.
Myth: All medical professionals are trained to manage concussions.
Fact: Many medical professionals have not received proper training in concussion management. Given the significant advancements in the field, it is important to find a provider who has been trained appropriately in concussion management and treatment protocols. Proper evaluations should include some form of neurocognitive testing, as well as a structured return-to-play exertion protocol.
Myth: A CT scan or MRI can help with concussion diagnosis and treatment.
Fact: Brain imaging is conducted to rule out more severe brain injuries, such as skull fractures or bleeding in the brain. Results of conventional imaging modalities are negative following concussion, and only a comprehensive and multimodal evaluation (e.g., symptom assessment, vestibular, and oculomotor testing) with an experienced healthcare provider can help with diagnosis.
Myth: Athletes should stop participating in sports after sustaining three concussions.
Fact: Each concussion is unique and athletes recover differently to injuries. As such, there is no magic number of concussions that should prohibit an athlete from returning to play. In cases where athletes have sustained multiple concussions it is important to see a specialist to identify risk factors that place that athlete at risk for re-injury, and determine if any measures can be taken to minimize future risk.
Read more Concussion Myths.
To learn more about concussion diagnosis and treatment options, visit the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program website."
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string(253) "Did you know that it is not necessary for you to be hit in the head to have a concussion? This and others are among some of the common misconceptions floating around. We’re here to explain what is true and what is a myth when it comes to concussions. "
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Did you know that it is not necessary for you to be hit in the head to have a concussion? This and others are among some of the common misconceptions floating around. We’re here to explain what is true and what is a myth when it comes to concussions.Read More
