Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/88274
A Concussion Game Plan WHAM! Your child just fell on the field and hit his or her head hard. Blinking and standing up, your athlete insists he or she is fine and wants to hop back into the game. The answer: no. Any blow to the head — whether from a fall, ball, or contact with another athlete or object — increases one's risk for concussion. A concussion is a brain injury and should always be taken seriously. It can occur without loss of consciousness and can happen during any sport or physical activity. "Injuries come with the territory when you play a sport," says Rodney Jay, M.D., sports medicine physician on the medical staff at Davis Hospital and Medical Center. "However, if you suspect an athlete has a concussion, he or she should seek medical attention immediately." Because you cannot see a concussion like you can a broken arm or damaged knee, it's imperative to watch for symptoms even several days or weeks after the injury. Signs of a concussion as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include: » Balance issues or feelings of dizziness. » Blurry or double vision. » Confusion. » Difficulty concentrating. » Headache. » Inability to recall events prior to or after a hit or fall. » Loss of consciousness, even briefly. » Nausea or vomiting. » Sensitivity to light and/or noise. PURSUING TREATMENT "Concussions, especially repeat concussions, can cause permanent brain damage if they're not treated properly," Dr. Jay says. "Our mission at Davis Hospital is to make sure young athletes are completely well before stepping back onto the field." Because concussions can differ significantly between persons and severity, it can be difficult to predict when an athlete can return to play. The best method for healing a concussion is time and rest. Follow your child's physician's orders, and do not allow the athlete to participate in any strenuous physical activities until he or she receives the health care provider's official okay. "Even though they may seem like young adults, teens and adolescents still have developing brains," says Dr. Jay. "It's our job as parents, coaches and physicians to ensure concussions are treated accurately and that second impact syndrome, or repeat concussions, are prevented." Davis Hospital ensures its Emergency Department is properly staffed on game days to streamline treatment for concussions and other sports-related injuries. Visit davishospital.com to learn more.