JacobKrueger_SPHE250_Week8Assg

(Borke,2021) What is a Concussion?  A concussion is a type of brain injury that occurs when the head hits an object with a high impact and can affect how the brain works.  This impact will cause the brain to bang against the skull, resulting in bruising. Injury to the brain’s nerves and torn blood vessels may also occur. (Marcantuono, 2017)  Resulting damage that may occur from a concussion include loss of consciousness, memory loss, headaches and changes in alertness or thinking. (Borke,2021) Symptoms include:  Headache  Memory Loss  Loss of Consciousness  Drowsiness  Nausea and Vomiting  Confusion  Dizziness, Balance Problems  Irritability  Blurred Vision  Slurred Speech First-Aid Steps on the Field: 1. Ensure the field is safe. 2. Check for consciousness. 3. If unconscious, check their airway, breathing, circulation. 4. Do no move athlete unless necessary. 5. Check athlete’s mental alertness. 6. Check the athlete’s eyes for dilation. 7. Monitor for vomiting. 8. Keep athlete awake to monitor if concussion symptoms worsen. 9. Be aware symptoms can worsen over time, especially in children. (Department, 2004) (Alaia, 2022) Recovery and Returning to Play:  After care in the hospital may require MRI and CT scans to help the doctors understand the severity of the concussion.  Balance testing may be performed to analyze the area of the brain that controls movement.  The most important key to recovery, once discharged, is allowing your athlete to get plenty of REST. This includes very limited amount of reading, video games, television, and computer work.  Athletes can return to supervised aerobic exercises after 2-3 days. (Alaia, 2022)  Most youth and teen athletes make full recoveries within a week or two. (Marcantuono, 2017)  All athletes are recommended to be evaluated and cleared by a doctor before returning to sports.