Basketball Concussion: How to Recognize and Respond
Contents
Basketball is a high-impact sport that can lead to concussions. It’s important to know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion, and to respond properly if one occurs.
Introduction
Basketball is a high-impact sport, and concussions are a risk for all athletes. A concussion is a type of brain injury that occurs when the head is hit or jolted. Concussions can range from mild to severe, and can lead to both short- and long-term problems.
Symptoms of a concussion may appear right away or may not be apparent until hours or days after the injury. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a concussion so that you can seek medical attention if necessary. Concussions can be difficult to diagnose, so it is important to see a medical professional if you suspect that you or your child has one.
If you think someone has a concussion, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately. Do not try to judge the seriousness of the injury yourself.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way your brain works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes your brain to move quickly inside your skull. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain.
How do concussions happen?
Concussions can occur from a direct blow to the head or upper body a fall, or an indirect hit that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Shaking or rotating the head can also cause concussions. Many times, concussions happen without loss of consciousness.
How can you tell if you or someone else has a concussion?
There is no one definitive answer to this question as the symptoms of a concussion can vary depending on the individual. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that you can look out for, which include:
-Headache
-Nausea
-Dizziness
-Fatigue
-Blurry vision
-Sensitivity to light or noise
-Balance problems
-Memory problems
– Difficulty concentrating
-Irritability or mood changes.
What should you do if you think you or someone else has a concussion?
If you think you or someone else has a concussion:
1. Remove the person from play.
2. Sit the person down and do not let them go to sleep.
3. Check to see if the person is displaying any common concussion symptoms including:
-Confusion
-Headache
-Nausea or vomiting
-Balance problems
-Dizziness
-Ringing in the ears
-Double or blurry vision
4. If the person is showing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.
How can concussions be prevented?
Most concussions occur during sports activities, especially contact sports such as football, Ice Hockey lacrosse, and rugby. Wearing the proper protective gear such as helmets and mouthguards, can help prevent concussions.
Concussions can also be prevented by following the rules of the game and practicing good sportsmanship. For example, in football, players should not lead with their helmets when tackling another player.
What are the long-term effects of concussions?
There is a lot of debate surrounding concussions and their long-term effects. Some studies suggest that there are no long-term consequences, while others suggest that concussions can lead to problems later in life, such as dementia, depression, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The truth is that we don’t yet know the full extent of the long-term effects of concussions, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has suffered a concussion, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Concussions can be difficult to diagnose because they don’t always show up on brain scans. A trained medical professional will be able to assess whether or not a concussion has occurred and provide guidance on how to best recover.
Once a concussion has been diagnosed, it’s important to rest both physically and mentally. This means avoiding activities that could aggravate the condition, such as exercise, studying, work, etc. It’s also important to limit your exposure to screens (e.g., TV, computers, smartphones) as they can further tax your brain.
Most people will make a full recovery from a concussion within a few weeks with proper rest and care. However, some people may experience lingering symptoms for months or even years afterwards. If you find that your symptoms are not improving or are getting worse, it’s important to follow up with your doctor as there may be other underlying conditions at play.
Resources
The amount of information and resources related to concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be overwhelming. This section is designed to provide you with some key resources that can help you recognize and respond to a concussion.
References
-Basketball Concussion: How to Recognize and Respond. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.stopsportsinjuries.org/ACL-Injury-Prevention-Programs/Basketball/Basketball-Concussion.aspx
-Concussions in Basketball: How to Recognize and Respond. (2018, March 26). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/concussions-in-basketball#1
Dr. John Omalley is a physician and concussion specialist who has devoted his career to helping athletes stay safe on the court. He is currently the medical director for the NBA development league’s Texas Legends. He has also worked with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the UT Southwestern Medical Center, and was a team physician for the Dallas Mavericks from 2002 to 2009. In addition to his work in concussion management, Dr. Omalley has also authored several books on sports medicine
