Hey everyone! With the high school football season in full swing, it’s more important than ever to stay safe on the field. But let’s be real: injuries can happen. One of the most common but easily overlooked injuries is a concussion. We need to make sure we all know the signs and symptoms so we can look out for our teammates—and ourselves.
What’s a Concussion, Anyway?
In simple terms, a concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body. Imagine your brain is like jelly in a jar (your skull). If the jar gets a hard shake or hit, that jelly can get banged up against the sides. That’s basically what happens to your brain during a concussion. Medical experts have found that concussions can seriously affect your brain function, at least temporarily.
Signs You or a Teammate Might Have a Concussion
- Feeling Dazed or Confused: If you or someone else is having trouble remembering plays or seems lost during the game, that’s a red flag.
- Headaches: A persistent headache that won’t go away could be a symptom.
- Nausea or Vomiting: Yeah, it’s as unpleasant as it sounds.
- Blurred Vision or Double Vision: If things suddenly look fuzzy, you might have a concussion.
- Balance Problems: If you find yourself stumbling for no apparent reason, that’s a clue.
*Note: Research published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that athletes who experienced a single concussion were 3.2 times more likely to experience another concussion in the same season. (McCrea et al., 2009)
What to Do If You Suspect a Concussion
- Get Off the Field: This isn’t the time to be a hero. Health comes first.
- See a Medical Professional: A doctor can properly diagnose and treat a concussion. See a concussion specialist – ask how many concussions have you seen and treated; get seen by someone who’s seen more than a 1000 head injuries.
- Rest and Recover: Follow your doctor’s advice. You might need to chill out from sports and other physical activities for a while.
Recent News Alert!
In case you missed it, an article from USA Today highlighted how high school athletes are often reluctant to report symptoms of a concussion. Being honest about how you’re feeling can prevent further damage and help you get back in the game safely.
Conclusion
Concussions are serious business, folks. As much as we all want to win, it’s not worth risking our brains. Let’s keep an eye out for these symptoms and make sure we’re doing everything we can to play safely this season.
So, keep your head in the game in more ways than one! Stay safe and have a great season!
