I have been asked to write about concussions from time to time. I attempted a chapter on concussions for a book at some point, over the next few weeks I will post this chapter, as I wrote it, no matter how horrible it is. After all I am not an author, but at least you can take a look. This particular chapter deals with concussions in the sport of football. We all should know this injury can be sustained in any sport. Because football is the biggest draw of sporting eyes I felt it was best to present it in this way. (Part I, Part II & III) *All sources will be posted after last portion is up.
Detecting a Concussion
Although the injury is “invisible” there are ways to identify and detect a concussion. In fact this is one of the few injuries where modern technology – x-ray, MRI, CT scan – cannot “see” the injury, rather those diagnostic tools are used to rule out much more severe injuries; such as skull fractures or bleeding on/in the brain. Medically speaking any blow to the body and/or head that results in signs and symptoms is classically diagnosed by a physician as a concussion[i].
In the field as an athletic trainer trying to root out those concussed conditions are slightly more difficult, weather conditions and things like lighting notwithstanding, the individual and those surrounding him/her make detecting a concussion very difficult at times.
Most athletes are competitive by nature and have a very hard time coming off the field for any reason, let alone an injury; something that would show weakness. Now try getting that athlete off the field when there is nothing for the general public, coach, or teammates to see. A lot of what goes on with detection as an athletic trainer has to do with observation of the actual hit/hits, but usually being outnumbered 40-50:1 makes watching every play and every hit nearly impossible. This makes second-hand information VERY important; Continue reading →