Concussion Safety

Concussion Safety & Helmet Safety — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 07:10:11 +0000

Concussion & Helmets

A concussion is any direct or indirect hit to the head that can cause a change in behavior, awareness, and/or physical feeling.

Most concussion experts say the word concussion is derived from the Latin word “concutere,” meaning “to shake violently”. Others say the term concussion originated from the Latin “concussus” meaning ”action of striking together.” Regardless of the origin, a concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The first section addresses concussions and concussion safety, while the second part, below, talks about how to buy specific helmets for your sport or hobby.

Concussion: Direct Blow

Concussions can occur in a number of ways, by a stick, puck or ball hitting the head. You can fall off a ladder, slip on ice and then hit your head on the ground.

Women's soccer and concussions

Concussion: Indirect Blow

An indirect way a concussion can occur is when you run into another player, a fixed object like a wall or goal post or steering wheel. When you have an impact such as this, your brain change directions and oscillates within your skull.

Symptoms of Concussions:

You don’t need to be knocked out to have a concussion.

Inappropriate playing behavior (skating the wrong direction, shooting on own basketball net)
Significantly decreased playing ability from earlier in the game
Being slow to answer questions or follow directions
Being easily distracted
Being unable to do normal activities
Displaying unusual emotions (crying/laughing)
Changes in personality
Irritability and low frustration tolerance
Anxiety and depressed mood
Sleep disturbance

Concussion Tests

Ask the individual a number of questions and determine there answer according to the following:

Being unaware of time
Being unaware of date
Being unaware of place
Being unaware of the period or score in the game
Being generally confused
How will you feel?
Being dazed, dinged or stunned
Having your bell rung
Having a blank stare
Felling dizzy
Seeing stars or flashing lights
Having ringing in the ears
Having a headache
Feeling sick or throwing up
Noticing blurred vision
Not seeing everything well
Having poor coordination or balance
Having slurred speech

If you have, or suspect you have a concussion, do not play until AFTER you have received a professional medical evaluation.

Learn more about the topics repetitive brain injury and closed brain injury

Helmet Safety

Now that you have learned about the dangers of concussions, you need to buy a helmet.