Concussion Awareness: Protecting Athletes From Invisible Injuries
As a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussions are one of the most common and serious injuries in sports. Even a seemingly minor impact can disrupt normal brain function. Unlike other injuries, concussions aren’t always visible, making early recognition and proper management critical.
Recognizing the Signs of a Concussion:
- Headache, dizziness, or nausea
- Confusion, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light and noise
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Mood changes, irritability, or sluggishness
Ignoring symptoms or rushing an athlete back to play increases the risk of second impact syndrome—a rare but potentially fatal condition that occurs when the brain sustains another injury before fully recovering.
What to Do if a Concussion Is Suspected:
- Remove the athlete from play immediately – "When in doubt, sit them out." Complete cognitive and physical rest for the first 24 – 48 hours.
- Monitor symptoms closely – Symptoms can evolve over hours or even days.
- Seek medical evaluation – A healthcare provider should assess the injury.
- Follow a comprehensive return-to-play plan – Athletes must be fully symptom-free and cleared by a medical professional before gradually resuming activity.
- Encourage open communication – Athletes should feel safe reporting symptoms.
By recognizing concussion symptoms early, following strict protocols, and supporting safe recovery, we can protect athletes from long-term brain injuries and ensure they continue to perform at their best.
Prevention Strategies for a Safer Game:
- Ensure proper fitting and use of protective gear (helmets, mouthguards).
- Teach safe playing techniques to minimize head impacts.
- Promote a team culture that prioritizes health over competition.
If one of your athletes has suffered an injury, please call Tri-County Orthopedics at (973) 538-2334 and ask for our Sports Medicine Center experts.