Prevention
for concussions
Concussions are frequent occurrences in contact supports such as soccer, rugby, lacrosse, hockey, football, and wrestling. It is important that the athletes are educated on concussions and symptoms of them so they can inform their coaches of possible injuries. With an increase in concussion awareness and research, extra precautions and regulations have sprouted up. There are many ways to prevent a concussion, but there is not a perfect prevention. If you or anyone you know have signs and symptoms of a concussion, let your coaches, athletic trainers, and physicians know. The best way to prevent a second concussion is treating the first.
"It basically made everything I was doing fuzzy, and a lot harder to focus on."
-Riley Nowak
Preventative Measures
A baseline test is performed prior to participating in a sport or a concussion. It is important to test a student’s balance, concentration, and memory because if a concussion is suspected, the medical team has a vantage point of the initial brain function. This testing does not make a diagnosis, but it showing the effect of the brain impairment after the impact.
Following the Rules of the Game
In every sport there is a great injury with a great risk, so by following the rules and protocols by each sport will help in reducing the chances of a concussion. Don’t take your chances thinking that your headgear will protect you. There are skills and ways to avoid dangerous plays that will cause serious damage. If you ever suspect a concussion, report it immediately, and the safety of everyone on the field is greatly increased.
Training and Strengthening
By strengthening the neck and shoulder muscles, an athlete can help absorb the shock of the blow to the head. The stronger the athlete, the less likely he or she is to be injured. Improvements in muscular strength particularly improve specific eccentric strength. For example, the neck muscles and the trapezius help by prep activating prior to the ball impacting the head. There is a preparatory response in neck muscles, and the more elastic energy prior will help when releasing at the point of impact. In conclusion, weaker neck muscles put you at a greater risk of getting an concussion during impact sports.
Importance of Helmets
Scientific studies have shown that helmets greatly reduce the risk of developing a head injury. In sports such as football, hockey, and biking it is crucial that a helmet is properly fitted to the individual to reduce the risk of a traumatic brain injury. Helmet designs are forever developing new technologies to decrease impact forces.
