Fall Sports & Concussions: What You Need to Know

Fall Sports & Concussions

National Concussion Awareness Day is September 20th, serving as a reminder of the need for awareness and education to ensure the safety and well-being of athletes at all levels. As the kids get back to school and football season gets underway, it’s an appropriate time to remind each other that while most concussions are mild, they can result in serious complications if not treated properly. Let’s talk about how concussions may occur, what to watch for, and how to reduce the risks of both concussions and their potential complications.

 

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that results from a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. The impact causes the brain to move inside the skull, potentially damaging brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain. Often, there is no visible sign of injury, and symptoms may not appear until days or weeks after the initial impact.

 

Signs & Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a concussion can vary from person to person and may not always be immediately apparent. Some common symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light or noise, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, mood swings, and irritability. It’s important to note that these symptoms may not always manifest in the same way, and some people may have a delayed onset of symptoms.

 

Increased Risk of Concussion with Fall Contact Sports

Concussions can occur in a variety of sports and activities where head impacts are possible. In contact sports such as football, soccer, field hockey, or ice hockey, athletes are at a higher risk due to the physical nature of the games. However, concussions can also result from falls, accidents during recreational activities, or even non-contact situations, such as a sudden change in speed or direction that may cause the head to whip back and forth.

 

Reducing the Risk

While some concussions are unavoidable due to the nature of sports, some steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of sustaining a concussion. Properly fitting and well-maintained equipment is crucial for preventing head injuries. Additionally, practicing safe techniques and avoiding high-risk behaviors can also help minimize the risk of concussions.

 

Return-to-Play Protocol

One of the most critical aspects of concussion management is the timing of return to play. Resuming sports too soon can lead to severe health complications, known as second-impact syndrome, which happens when a second concussion occurs before the first one has adequately healed. This can result in prolonged recovery or even more severe outcomes. For this reason, school sports programs typically have strict return-to-play protocols that coaches and directors must follow. (Colorado law specifically requires school-aged athletes to get medical clearance before returning to play.)

 

Have you or your child has suffered a sports concussion or experienced complications due to someone else’s negligence? Our personal injury attorneys can work to help you obtain proper compensation for treatment, recovery, and other types of loss. Call us to schedule an appointment.