Concussion updates!

With football season already started, and all of the talk about concussion, what is a concussion?  A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain functions. Effects are usually temporary, but can include problems with headache, concentration, memory, judgment, balance and coordination. Although concussions usually are caused by a blow to the head, they can also occur when the head and upper body are violently shaken. These injuries can cause a loss of consciousness, but most concussions do not.  

 

Here are some signs and symptoms of a concussion:

• Concentration and memory complaints
• Irritability and other personality changes
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Sleep disturbances
• Psychological adjustment problems and depression
• Disorders of taste and smell
• Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
• Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
• Dizziness or "seeing stars"
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea or vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Fatigue

If you notice any of these present in an athlete have them evaluated by an Athletic Trainer or Physician. 

With the emphasis on preventing concussions in football the NFL partnering with USA football, the CDC and many other organizations have started the Heads Up Football Program.  This program teaches players, parents, and coaches proper fundamentals for tackling, as well as, many other aspects of football.  Coaches can become certified by taking a course through USA football.  This program hopes to help prevent some concussion in football by teaching proper fundamentals, and equipment fitting. 

Here are some tips to make sure your helmet is fitted correctly.

·         There should be about 1 inch between your eyebrows and top of the face mask

·         The helmet should be snug and not move around the head when the face mask is shaken

lightly.

·         You should be able to see the ears through the ear holes.

·         Make sure the helmet is still certified or certified reconditioned.

Check out the Heads Up website for more information and some good videos on proper helmet fitting and heads up tackling.