The Indiana Sports Concussion Network (ISCN) is a non-profit program that provides free concussion education, resources and support to athletes in the state of Indiana. The ISCN was created by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is designed to help educate youth about concussions and head injuries.
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Hey friends! If you’re like me, you love everything about sports, from the excitement of a big game to the camaraderie of a team. But what if there was a way for sports fans to stay safe and informed about concussions? That’s where the Indiana Sports Concussion Network comes in! We’re here to help keep you and your loved ones as safe as possible when it comes to concussions. So check us out today and see how we can help!
Concussion Information
A concussion is a type of brain injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and violently jolted. Concussions can occur from falls, car accidents, or being hit in the head with a hard object. Symptoms of a concussion can include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and fatigue. If you think you or someone you know has suffered a concussion, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Concussion Statistics
A concussion is a type of brain injury that occurs when the head is hit or jolted. Concussions can happen in any type of sport, but they are most common in contact sports such as football, hockey, and lacrosse.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), concussions make up about 21 percent of all injuries among high school athletes. The CDC also reports that every year, there are an estimated 173,285 concussions from playing sports or engaging in other recreational activities.
Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness, but some can be quite serious and even cause death. In fact, the CDC estimates that there are as many as 3.8 million concussions each year in the United States alone.
While most people recover from a concussion within a few weeks, some may experience long-term effects such as headaches, dizziness, irritability, sleep problems, and memory difficulties. If you think you or someone you know has suffered a concussion, it’s important to see a doctor right away for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Concussion Myths
There are many myths about concussions that circulate among the general public. Some of these myths may be harmless, but others can actually do more harm than good. Here are some of the most common concussion myths, and the truth behind them:
Myth #1: Concussions only happen in contact sports.
Truth: While it is true that concussions are more common in contact sports such as football or hockey, they can actually happen in any sport or activity. A concussion occurs when the head is hit with enough force to cause the brain to move inside the skull. This can happen from a fall, a car accident, or even being shaken violently. So no matter what sport you play or activity you participate in, there is always a risk of sustaining a concussion.
Myth #2: You have to be knocked unconscious to have a concussion.
Truth: One of the biggest misconceptions about concussions is that you have to lose consciousness in order to sustain one. In reality, most concussions do not involve loss of consciousness at all. Symptoms of a concussion can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory problems, and changes in mood or behavior. If you experience any of these symptoms after hitting your head, it is important to seek medical attention right away as you may have suffered a concussion.
Myth #3: Concussions are no big deal ufffd just rest and youufffdll be fine within a week or two.
Truth: Although most concussions will resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks with proper rest and care, some people may experience long-term effects from their injury. These effects can include problems with memory and concentration, dizziness and balance problems, headaches , fatigue , depression , anxiety , and sleep disturbances . If you suffer from any of these symptoms for longer than 2 weeks after sustaining a concussion , it is important to see your doctor as you may need further treatment .
Myth #4 : Wearing a helmet prevents concussions .
Truth : Helmets cannot completely prevent concussions because they do not protect the entire head . However , they can help reduce the risk by absorbing some of the impact during a fall or collision . It is important to wear an appropriately fitting helmet whenever participating in activities where there is a risk of head injury , such as biking , skiing , skateboarding , horseback riding , etc .
Myth #5 : Once youufffdve had a concussion , youufffdre more likely to get one again .
Truth : It is true that people who have had one concussion are at greater risk for sustaining another one . However , this does not mean that once youufffdve had a concussion ; you will automatically get another one if you participate in activities that carry a risk for head injuries (such as contact sports ) . With proper precautions taken (such as wearing helmets and mouthguards ) ; most people who have had previous concussions will not go on to experience another one .
Concussion Signs and Symptoms
If you think you or someone else may have a concussion, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. These can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the concussion. However, some common signs and symptoms include:
– headache
– dizziness or feeling lightheaded
– nausea or vomiting
– difficulties with balance
– problems with vision, such as blurred vision or double vision
– ringing in the ears
– sensitivity to noise or light
– feeling tired or having no energy
– changes in mood, such as irritability or sadness
If you experience any of these symptoms after a head injury, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. A concussion is a serious condition that can have long lasting effects if not treated properly.
Concussion Treatment
A concussion is a type of brain injury that occurs when the head is hit by an object or suffers a sudden, violent jolt. Concussions can range from mild to severe, and can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and even unconsciousness.
If you think you or someone you know has suffered a concussion, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Concussions need to be treated promptly and properly in order to minimize the risk of long-term complications.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating concussions, as the best course of treatment will vary depending on the individual’s symptoms and how severe the injury is. However, there are some general guidelines that most concussion treatment plans will follow.
Initial Treatment:
The first step in treating a concussion is to rest both the mind and body. This means avoiding activities that could aggravate symptoms, such as physical exertion, reading, working on a computer, watching television, or playing video games. It’s also important to limit exposure to bright lights and loud noises.
sleep and give your body time to heal. Getting plenty of rest will help reduce swelling in the brain and promote healing. Drink lots of fluids dehydration can make concussion symptoms worse. Limit alcohol intake drinking alcohol can interfere with sleep and increase dehydration.. Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed for headaches or other pain.. If nausea is a problem , avoid fatty foods , caffeine , spicy foods . eat small frequent meals during the day instead of three large ones.. Try relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation if anxiety or stress is making symptoms worse.. Follow up with your doctorIf you’re still experiencing concussion symptoms after two weeks , make an appointment to see your doctor
Concussion Prevention
1. Avoid head injuries: This seems like obvious advice, but it’s worth repeating. Head injuries are the leading cause of concussions, so do your best to avoid them. If you play contact sports, wear proper protective gear and avoid dangerous activities.
2. Be aware of your surroundings: Concussions can also occur from falls and accidents around the house or in public places. Be careful when walking on slippery surfaces and be cautious when participating in activities that could lead to a fall.
3. Take care of your body: A healthy body is better able to withstand the force of a concussion and recover from one more quickly. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of rest.
Concussion Resources
There are many resources available for those who have suffered a concussion, and for their loved ones. Here are some of the most helpful:
The Mayo Clinic offers a comprehensive overview of concussions, including symptoms, treatment options, and recovery tips.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides detailed information on preventing concussions, as well as what to do if you or someone you know suffers one.
The Brain Injury Association of America has a wealth of resources on living with and managing a brain injury.
Pamela Bowerman’s website is full of helpful information for parents of children who have suffered a concussion. She is the author of “Concussion Management & Recovery: A Guide for Parents.”
Finally, the Concussion Legacy Foundation is devoted to solving the concussion crisis through education, policy change, and advancing science. They offer resources for athletes, military service members, veterans, and more.
Concussion Stories
There is no one definitive story when it comes to concussions. Every person experiences a concussion differently, and as such, there are many different stories that can be told about this type of injury. Here are just a few examples:
Athlete A may experience a concussion during a football game. He may feel dazed and confused after taking a hit to the head, but he will likely continue playing until the end of the game. Afterward, he may have a headache and feel tired, but he will probably not seek medical attention unless his symptoms worsen.
Athlete B may also suffer a concussion during a football game. However, she immediately feels nauseous and dizzy after the impact and has to be helped off of the field. She does not remember what happened after the hit and experiences severe headaches and sensitivity to light for several days afterward. She eventually sees a doctor who diagnosed her with a concussion and tells her to rest for several weeks before returning to activity.
Person C was in a car accident where they hit their head on the steering wheel. They blacked out for a few seconds after the impact and had ringing in their ears when they came to. They went to see their doctor shortly thereafter who diagnosed them with a concussion and prescribed them medication for the pain as well as instructions to take it easy for awhile.
As you can see, there is no one ufffdconcussion storyufffd because every individual experiences this type of injury differently. If you have suffered from a concussion, it is important to seek medical attention so that you can get properly diagnosed and treated.
