Concussion awareness is important

“Fall sports bring back good memories for me,” said Dr. Josh Thoendel of Antelope Memorial Hospital. “Growing up in Nebraska built up a love of football, even if the Huskers have spent 20 years trying to stamp it back out. However, despite football being safer than it used to be – it still has one of the highest risks of concussion. We now have new tools to recognize concussions and new treatments and protocols to help ensure the safe return-to-play.”

What is a concussion?

Thoendel said, “It is a bruise of the brain. Like body bruises, there can be small ones or big ones. And if you try to use a part of your body that is bruised, it hurts. Since large parts of your brain are devoted to sight and movement, those are some of the frequent triggers of symptoms after a concussion. Trying to read or watch TV, riding in the car or even walking may be enough to cause headaches, dizziness, or nausea. It is best at these times to avoid the activity causing symptoms. A bruised muscle heals more slowly if it is forced to work while injured. The same is true of a bruised brain.”

Football, ice hockey and wrestling are the sports with the highest incidence of concussions, according toThoendel. However, they can happen in any sport.

“After a significant head injury, a person should be seen by their healthcare provider. Here at AMH, we’ve been providing baseline ImPACT testing, a computer-based neurocognitive test, to all athletes in Neligh-Oakdale and Elgin schools. Other area schools, like Summerland and Elkhorn Valley, provide their own baseline testing. These baselines are important because they allow us to see what areas of the brain are affected and how severe the injury may be. Follow-up testing with a provider can then be tracked to monitor healing. In some cases, additional treatments like physical therapy can improve recovery.

“Physical activity is great for your health,” Thoendel added. “And while there is an element of risk with sports, the benefits outweigh the risks overall. Just make sure to address an issue like a concussion with a medical provider to help lower the chances of long-term complications.”