Concussions
A concussion is any injury to the brain that disrupts normal brain function typically on a temporary basis. Concussions are usually caused by a blow or jolt to the head but may occur from a hit to the body that produces a reflex force to the head.
The symptoms of a concussion range from subtle to obvious and usually happen right after the injury but some may take hours to a few days to develop. Athletes who have had concussions may report feeling normal before their brain has fully recovered. With most concussions, the player is not knocked out or unconscious.
Links & Resources
- Teen Boys Who Reported Two Or More Concussions In Past Year Were More Likely To Report A Suicide Attempt, Study Finds (website)
- Accuracy of Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Diagnosis of Skull Fractures in Children (website)
To determine the test performance characteristics for point-of-care ultrasound performed by clinicians compared with computed tomography (CT) diagnosis of skull fractures. - App takes the guesswork out of recognizing concussions (iTunes App Store)
A Smartphone and tablet application now makes it possible for parents and coaches to recognize and respond to possible concussions in athletes.