Sports-Related Concussions: Treatment and Prevention in Edmonton

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that occurs when a head injury affects brain function. Concussions often happen when trauma or violent blows to the head or body cause the brain to twist or move rapidly in the skull, leading to deficits in the cognitive, motor, and sensory organs. While concussions may not lead to permanent brain damage sometimes, they temporarily affect how the brain works.

Unfortunately, a concussion is a common phenomenon in the world of sports. Athletes, from the professional to the amateur level, who participate in contact sports, such as rugby, football, hockey, cycling, skiing, and wrestling, that frequently involve falls, collisions, and high-risk impact, are at an increased risk of suffering a concussion. 

Concussions may damage brain cells and cause chemical changes in the brain that may limit mobility or function, hindering athletic performance. Regular individuals in Edmonton who participate in sports for recreation may also suffer concussions. As a result, they may be unable to perform their daily activities normally. Therefore, it is important to understand the risks of concussion and how to manage it. This article will explore how concussions can be prevented, identified, and treated promptly at Revive Spine and Sport Physiotherapy Clinic.

How do Sports-related Concussions Occur?

Generally, concussions occur due to a sudden impact that forces the brain to shift within the skull, leading to chemical and structural changes in the brain. However, sports-related concussions may occur in several ways when playing high-impact sports. The following are events that may cause sports-related concussions:

• Direct collision with other players or equipment
• Falls to the ground or hard surfaces
• Helmet-to-helmet hits
• Dangerous tackles
• Wrong technique while heading the ball
• Tripping over equipment
• Sudden acceleration or deceleration force leading to whiplash and other head injuries

Children and teenagers who play contact sports are highly susceptible to concussions because their brains are still developing. 

Symptoms of Concussions

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a concussion is important to get immediate medical attention. Concussion symptoms may appear immediately after the injury or take a few hours or even days to develop. They may manifest physically, emotionally, and in cognition. The following are some of the most common symptoms of concussions:

Physical Symptoms of Concussion

Concussion symptoms that manifest in the body include:

• Headaches or a feeling of pressure in your head
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and loss of balance
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Neck pain
• Chronic fatigue and drowsiness
• Sensitivity to light
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Sensitivity to sounds
• Frequent temporary loss of consciousness, etc

Cognitive Symptoms of Concussion

The following are some of the most common cognitive symptoms you may experience if you have suffered a concussion:

• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Confusion
• Slowed reaction or thinking time
• Amnesia or short-term memory loss
• Feeling like you’re in a fog, dazed, or not like your usual self
• Trouble processing new information
• Trouble understanding or following instructions
• Difficulties with executive function, such as planning, organizing, and making decisions, etc.

Emotional Symptoms of Concussion

Common concussion symptoms that may be reflected in your emotions include:

• Easily irritable
• New or increased anxiety
• Restlessness, nervousness, and difficulty relaxing
• Frequent mood swings
• Depression or sadness
• Difficulty with emotional regulation, etc.

How is a Concussion Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a concussion is important to ensure proper recovery so you can continue to participate in your favorite sport. However, since concussions are not visibly seen like other injuries, they follow a different diagnostic process. Some common processes that you may undergo during diagnosis for a concussion include a medical history review, symptom inventory, a physical examination, cognitive and balance tests, etc. The following are some common tools and techniques used in diagnosing a concussion:

• Sport Concussion Assessment Tool – 6th Edition (SCAT6): This is a physical and cognitive assessment tool that is used to diagnose concussions. The SCAT6 is a commonly used tool to diagnose concussions in athletes aged 13 and above. Components of this assessment tool include:

• A symptom checklist to confirm common symptoms of concussions, such as headaches, confusion, dizziness, etc.
• Cognitive screening to test memory recall, orientation, etc.
• Balance and coordination tests, such as tandem gait, Romberg test, finger-to-nose test, etc.
• Neurological examination to measure speech, muscle strength, eye movement, etc. 

The SCAT6 is suitable for initial assessment within the first 72 hours after the suspected concussion injury. It is often used on the sidelines after the injury or in the clinic after first aid has been administered. The SCAT6 can be modified to reflect developmental stages to diagnose concussion in children under 13.

• Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT Testing): This is a computer-assisted neurocognitive test that evaluates brain function by measuring verbal and visual memory, processing speed, attention span, and reaction time. This test is often combined with baseline testing to determine if an athlete has suffered a concussion. Before a sports season begins, athletes are required to complete a test to establish a healthy baseline. In cases of suspected concussions, the athlete repeats the test ,and a concussion diagnosis is confirmed if there are significant deviations from the previously established baseline. 

While concussions cannot be ordinarily detected on standard imaging tests like CT scans or MRI, you may be required to undergo a diagnostic imaging test if you lose consciousness for a long time, if there is evidence of a skull fracture or bleeding in the brain, or if your symptoms keep getting worse. These and many more are tools and techniques through which concussions are diagnosed in Edmonton.

How Are Concussions Managed?

While there is no quick fix or treatment for a concussion, this condition can be managed through physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that employs several techniques to treat and manage injuries, illnesses, and other medical conditions that affect movement, strength, and overall function. Since concussions affect the motor organs, it can be assessed, treated, and managed through sports physiotherapy and other necessary medical care. Some of the most common physiotherapy techniques that can be used in concussion management include:

• Vestibular rehabilitation
• Visual and oculomotor therapy
• Balance and coordination training
• Cervical spine therapy
• Aerobic conditioning
• Patient education.

Physiotherapists may combine these non-invasive techniques to treat concussion and ensure the restoration of movement and physical function.

How to Prevent Sports-related Concussions

You can reduce your risk of developing concussions even while playing contact sports drastically by adhering to the following prevention tips:

• You should wear protective gear and equipment, such as helmets, mouthguards, etc, at all times while on the playing field.
• Always adhere to the rules of the game and adopt proper technique while playing
• Engage in frequent strength and conditioning programs to reinforce the body.
• Undergo regular baseline testing for concussions.
• Athletes, coaches, and other concerned individuals should be properly educated about the risks of concussions and how to minimize them.

These tips can reduce your risks of developing a concussion when participating in sports. 

Conclusion

While considered as a “mild brain injury”, sports-related concussions can have severe consequences on your physical and mental health if not properly managed. Therefore, if you suspect that you may have suffered a concussion while playing sports, you should go for treatment at Revive Spine and Sport Physiotherapy Clinic.