Tackling Sport-Related Concussions

Posted September 18, 2024

When you think of football season, thoughts of your favorite team, cheerleaders and packed stadiums probably come to mind. But there’s another thing you’re likely forgetting. Football season also means a higher risk of sports-related concussions, or SRCs. While SRCs can occur in almost any activity, they most commonly occur in contact sports like rugby, soccer, boxing, basketball, hockey and, of course, football.

What exactly is a concussion?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a concussion as a “type of traumatic brain injury – or TBI – caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a 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, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.”

How do I know if I have one?

According to Jose Armendariz, M.D., a board-certified sports medicine specialist at Summa Health, common symptoms of a concussion or, more specifically, a SRC may include headache, fatigue and dizziness, as well as behavioral changes such as depression, anxiety and irritability. A concussion also may disturb sleep, appetite, and even cause cognitive impairment at work or in the classroom.  

“If there is a concern of a SRC, it’s important for the person to undergo evaluation by someone qualified and trained in concussion evaluation and management within 24 to 48 hours of the injury,” says Dr. Armendariz. “If this is not possible or the symptoms worsen, they should visit the closest urgent care or emergency room immediately.”

A concussion is diagnosed by a specialist through a careful physical examination, which may include a concussion questionnaire, neurocognitive testing and, when appropriate, advanced imaging. Management and treatment of the SRC are developed specific to the individual depending on their symptoms, overall health, and any medical conditions they may have. 

When can I return to play?

After being diagnosed with a SRC, a patient should undergo an evaluation for readiness before returning to the sport or previous activity. This typically consists of a physical evaluation, assessment of any neurocognitive impairment, and ensuring there are no symptoms present with normal activities outside of sports, school or work.

Athletes should also undergo a standard return-to-play protocol. The CDC HEADS UP program lists six gradual steps that should be followed to help safely return an athlete to play. It’s a gradual process with the steps being completed over the course of days or weeks depending on the severity of the injury. An athlete should only move to the next step if they do not show any new symptoms at the current step. If an athlete’s symptoms come back or if they get new symptoms, this is a sign that the athlete is pushing too hard. They should stop activities and contact their medical provider. After completion of a supervised return to sport progression and cleared by a medical professional the athlete maybe cleared to return to sports.

Is there any way to prevent a SRC? 

Concussion prevention can be optimized by proper tackling techniques and wearing protective or safety equipment, such as helmets. While helmets, bite guards and helmet covers don’t prevent all risk of concussions, the equipment can help mitigate the severity of the injury.

“Concussions can indeed be serious, however, nowadays, we are better informed about this specific injury and its diagnosis and management,” says Dr. Armendariz. 

The Summa Health Orthopedic Institute has board-certified and fellowship-trained sports medicine specialists who are knowledgeable in the evaluation and management of SRCs.  For more information, visit summahealth.org/orthopedic or call 888.202.1435 to schedule an appointment with a sports medicine specialist today.