Concussion Awareness: What Every Athlete and Parent Should Know

Sports-related concussions (SRC) have been a hot topic in the media for years, with headlines often highlighting their life-changing consequences for athletes. From football players to wrestlers, these traumatic brain injuries can impact careers and cause profound changes in personality and quality of life. However, concussions aren’t limited to professional athletes—they can affect anyone and impact many aspects of life beyond sports performance.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury caused by biomechanical forces, leading to a range of symptoms that typically resolve spontaneously within 1–4 weeks. According to the 5th Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport, these symptoms may include:

• Lightheadedness or dizziness

• Headache

• Nausea

• Difficulties with short-term or long-term memory and concentration

• Mood or personality changes

• Sensitivity to light

While symptoms often resolve on their own, the variability in their presentation makes concussion recognition and management a challenge.

Recognizing the Signs of a Concussion

Concussions can occur following a significant impact to the head, neck, or upper body. There does not have to be a blow to the head, although this is a primary cause. Anything that causes the brain to bang around inside the skull can cause injury.

Symptoms may not appear immediately, so it’s crucial to monitor individuals closely after an injury. Be on the lookout for:

• Confusion or difficulty concentrating

• Sudden headache/nausea

• Sensitivity to light

• Altered mood or personality

If a concussion is suspected, the injured individual should not return to sports or physical activity until their symptoms have resolved and must seek medical assessment immediately. As concussion guidelines emphasize: "When in doubt, sit them out!"

The Role of Physiotherapy in Concussion Recovery

Physiotherapists are integral to the recovery process and work alongside medical doctors and other healthcare professionals. Here’s how they can help:

• Addressing Secondary Injuries: Concussions are often accompanied by musculoskeletal injuries, such as whiplash. Physiotherapists can provide treatment to alleviate pain and restore mobility and function.

• Addressing Deficits Resulting From The Concussion: Often, systems such as balance are affected by a concussion; physiotherapists can assist with the complex systems that aid in restoring balance and sense of body position.

• Rebuilding Confidence: After a traumatic sports injury, athletes may experience reduced confidence. Physiotherapists offer strategies to help manage symptoms and regain athletic confidence.

• Guiding Gradual Return-to-Sport Protocols: Physiotherapists assist in creating tailored return-to-sport plans, ensuring a safe and structured progression back to activity.

Don’t Rush Recovery

Recovery times vary widely. For some, symptoms may last weeks, while others recover more quickly. Avoid returning to sports until you’ve been medically cleared and feel confident in your recovery. Prematurely resuming activity can lead to further injury or long-term complications.

If you or a loved one has experienced a concussion or is showing signs and symptoms seek medical attention as soon as possible.