Sports Injuries: Danger of Concussion

Parents, Students Should Realize Dangers of Sports

by Woody Jenkins

Concussion

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.

— Center for Disease Control

CENTRAL — In the blink of an eye, a fast-moving play in last Friday night’s game between Central and St. Amant left a St. Amant player strangely still on the Central sideline near the end zone.

Central High trainer Brian Hutson rushed to the young man’s aid, as did Dr. David Rabalais of the Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic, paramedics, and Central firemen.

Almost as quickly, a frantic mother and father ran across over from the St. Amant side and were there.  For minutes that seemed like hours, the professionals tried to revive the young man.  Stadium announcer Les Beuche asked the crowd to pray, and they did.

Finally, someone said, “He’s conscious!  He moved his hand and feet!”  The professionals continued to examine him and agreed his helmet must be kept on.

In unison, six strong men and one strong woman slowly lifted the young man unto the gurney, taking utmost care that no injury should be caused.

The emergency personnel, some of whom had never seen one another before, had merged into a single team.  Moments later, the young man was placed in the Acadiana Ambulance and rushed to the hospital.

Reports on Tuesday were that he was doing much better but would probably never play football again.  He reportedly suffered a previous concussion only three weeks ago.

Central High trainer Brian Hutson said that, in the past, concussions were described as “mild” brain injuries.  “Today, the word ‘mild’ has been removed,” he said.  “A concussion is a brain injury that can be graded in category 1, 2, or 3.  Once you have a concussion, you are at higher risk of having more concussions.  A recent study by the NFL showed that players who suffered more than three concussions during their playing careers had an extraordinary increase in the likelihood of suffering from dementia, memory laps, and even Alzheimer’s disease before reaching age 50.”

Hutson said, “Concussions can be life-altering, and we take them very seriously.”

Hutson said, “In July, we did a baseline study of all Central High football players, including a test of cognition, speed in reaction time, and memory.  If a player suffers a head injury, we can compare their previous test results to see if there has been any change.  After an athlete appears to have recovered from a concussion, we can test to determine if they have in fact recovered.”

“Concussions are scary.  They set you up for much worse problems in the future.  Someone who has had a concussion is not in a position to evaluate himself and determine whether he has been seriously injured,” he said.

“When an athlete suffers an injury, he needs to call it to the attention of his coach, trainer, or physician so that the injury can be evaluated,” Hutson said.

Some of the symptoms of concussion are:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Vision problems

• Dizziness

• Light headedness

• Personality changes

• Sensitivity to light or sound

• Problems with balance and coordination

• Difficulty in concentrating

Hutson said that every person is different and the symptoms of a concussion will vary widely from case to case.

Sometimes, there will be no symptoms at all for 24 hours after an injury

Hutson said there is no way to prevent concussions, but one of the most important factors is wearing a helmet that fits properly.

In addition, injuries are less likely for athletes who have developed flexibility and core strength.

In the course of a typical year, Central High football players may suffer a total of two to three concussions, with perhaps one concussion in all of the other sports, Hutson said.

“In the past, coaches sometimes jokingly said that a player ‘had his lights knocked out’ and ignored the injury.  We can’t afford to do that.”

Today Central High School is doing more than ever to educate coaches and athletes about the danger of concussions and to make sure that they are reported and treated.  Parents and students should realize that participation in high school athletics carries with it serious risks that should not be ignored.