INJURIES
* Most concussions Do Not involve loss of consciousness.
* Following an injury, often the first and best treatment is Ice
applied to the injury in cycles of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for
4 to 6 cycles or more. Heat should not be applied to an injury for at
least 3 days.
* When injuries occur a compression sleeve or an Ace wrap should also be worn to provide compression to the area.
* Also during the first 72 hours of an injury it is best to Elevate the injury site above the heart as much as possible to reduce swelling.
* Bruises should be taken care of the same as you would take care of a
sprain or strain. Ice for the first 72 hours and then heat followed by
a cross friction massage.
* What are the effects of dehydration? An athlete will go through
decreased performance. This could start in less than an hour of
practice or even immediately if the athlete began practice dehydrated.
Signs of dehydration are thirst, irritability, headaches, weakness,
dizziness, cramps, nausea, and decreased performance. Drink a minimum
of 64 ounces of water a day. It is important to salt your food as well.
Avoid sodas, coffee, etc.
* When an injury occurs on the field, please remain on the sideline
until the Athletic Trainer; coach; athletic director or school nurse
has assessed the injury. If your child is injured, he/she will be
brought to you on the sideline. If the injured student is not your
child, because of confidentiality guidelines, we must ask you to remain
with other spectators and not go onto the field or approach the bench.
If you are a medical professional, your assistance will be requested if
necessary.
* The Certified Athletic trainer does have an AED (automatic external defibrillator) at all games that he attends.
* So what is a Concussion? A concussion is an injury to the brain. They
are usually caused by blows to the head or face. Most of the time there
is No loss of consciousness. Symptoms of a concussion include headache,
dizziness, loss of balance, trouble sleeping (change in sleep pattern),
confusion, ringing of the ears, nausea, difficulty concentrating,
feeling “in the fog” or sluggish, vision problems, trouble
concentrating, or memory problems. An athlete may experience any of
these and it may only be one or two symptoms. It is important for an
athlete to report these symptoms to coaches, parents, and athletic
trainers immediately so that further action can be taken. When would
you go to the hospital? Loss of consciousness, confusion that gets
worse, stiff neck, difficulty walking, speaking or using your arms,
severe headache, repeated vomiting, convulsions, unusual sleepiness.
However, if there is any doubt weather to go or not do not hesitate.
Head injuries can be very serious. After an athlete has been evaluated
thoroughly, return to play decisions can then be made. An athlete must
Never return to play while experiencing symptoms even if it is just a
headache or dizziness. Returning to play to soon could result in “
Second impact syndrome” which is when a second blow to the head (no
matter how minor it is) occurs to an athlete before they have fully
recovered and the result is usually death. Please take a look at these
links.
Second Impact Syndrome
Here is an Article from the Denver Post about 2 athletes that kept
quiet about their symptoms. This article was sent to me by a
Neuropsychologist. PLEASE READ! Click on the link in the upper right
corner.
• The Score/ Concussion Consultant Hotline is 240-426-8057. You can call for questions and answers Monday-Friday 8am-9pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am-9pm.
•
The Score/Concussion Clinic/ Mild TBI Appointment # is 202-884-2429.