Protecting ourselves and our loved ones from concussion and traumatic brain injuries is at the top of our list in sports safety. There are many aspects that go along with detecting a concussion or TBI.
Learn how you can be prepared to identify and treat a sports related head injury using the following tips from NCAA Registered Speaker, Darcy Keith.
Check It Out and Sit It Out to Live It Out
If a person receives a concussion, what steps should be taken to identify one?
First, a baseline assessment needs to be taken before an athlete begins the sport’s season, so that when a concussion is detected, brain function can be tested against the baseline.
Second, concussion education for athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, parents, etc. should take place for identifying signs/symptoms of a concussion.
Third, there should be sideline or locker room evaluations once a player feels the concussion signs, which can include confusion, nausea, dizziness, headaches, forgetfulness, and others.
Football or hockey players should stay off the field/rink for the remainder of the game once signs of concussion are detected. They should only be returned to play the following game after symptoms of concussion have subsided, and the player has been cleared by a licensed neurologist or someone who specializes in evaluating concussions.
