By Cindy Aldrige, F.N.P., Provider for Lee’s Summit Physicians Group

Spring fling… for sports goers sometimes that’s more than just having fun. Spring brings more physical activity and sometimes falls and concussions. New standards and precautions are in place to keep brains healthier and ultimately happier.

Symptoms of Concussion

Symptoms of head injury and concussion a few hours after an event is memory loss of what happened right before the injury. There can also be confusion, headache, dizziness or trouble with balance, nausea or vomiting, sleepiness, and being fussy/cranky.

Symptoms that can occur hours to days after the injury include trouble walking or talking.

Memory issues include problems paying attention, trouble sleeping, mood or behavior changes, vision changes or trouble with bright lights/sun or even noise.

If you notice these symptoms report them to the coach and seek treatment from medical professionals. Exams, testing and follow up is a must for a successful recovery.

Treating a Concussion

Treatment includes limiting activity until symptoms resolve which includes physical rest and mental/brain rest. In other words not going to school or work to avoid mental exercise/stress and not returning to exercise or activity that stresses the body. Also avoiding screen time until symptoms are resolved, then slowly introducing it back into daily life… YES. It means your PHONE and TEXTING or SOCIAL MEDIA TOO!

Oh, part of treatment is brain rest, so allowing the person to sleep is okay, just make sure that they’re checked on frequently, and when they do wake, that they are evaluated to make sure symptoms are not getting worse. Returning to school sports will also include notification to the athletic trainer or coach for retesting before returning to normal practice and game routine.

Be Careful Out There!

Be careful out there this spring/summer, but remember that activity is always important for healthy bones/muscles and brains/minds, so don’t use this article as an excuse to rest your brain and body for too long. Activity keeps us young and healthy.

Source: In part from the Up to Date patient handout: Concussion in children and adolescents.