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 MYTH - You can only be concussed in “contact sports”.
Although more likely in contact and collision sports such as rugby, football and boxing, concussion can occur in nearly any situation; we have treated cyclists, cricket players, motor racers, horse riders, water polo players and even ballet dancers! Suspect possible concussion with any direct or indirect blow to the head.
FACT – A player that has sustained a concussion is up to 3 times more likely to sustain a second concussion in the same season (Guskiewicz et al, 2000).
MYTH - You need to lose consciousness or memory to be diagnosed with concussion.
Only about 8% of cases of concussion involve loss of consciousness (Oliaro et al, 2001); Concussion may present in many different ways depending on the area of the brain most affected; these may be obvious signs such as blacking out, vomiting or confusion, or more subtle symptoms such as poor concentration or personality changes.
FACT – There is currently no known cure for concussion but the passage of time.
MYTH - A normal brain scan means you’re cleared to play.
CT scans and most MRI scans are not sensitive enough to detect the changes taking place in a concussed brain; you may still have serious injury with a normal scan.
FACT – Injuries to the brain are the most common cause of death in athletes (Mueller & Cantu, 1990).
MYTH - You’re OK to play once the headache has gone.
The following criteria need to be met to allow return to sport:
1. All symptoms must have cleared.
2. You should have a normal neurological examination.
3. Your computerized brain function tests must have returned to baseline or be within normal limits.
4. You should undergo a sports-specific return to play exercise programme without symptoms recurring.
Related Topic : Article by David Schipper Men's Health Magazine - 6 Concussion Myths
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Concussion Myths & Legends
