Summer Sports and Concussion Risks

Concussion injuries in college and professional sports have gained wide attention in recent seasons, raising awareness for these TBIs and their risk to athletes. But football is not the only sport that poses a risk for these injuries. Many summer sports pose a risk of concussion for athletes, from backyard games to college and professional-level sports.

What is a Concussion?

“A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury — or TBI — caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.”

While concussions are rarely life-threatening, they are still a serious injury that can have significant effects on the victim. Some of the common signs a person has suffered a concussion can include:

• Headache
• Blurry vision
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Ringing ears
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Amnesia surrounding the injury event
• Poor sleep
• Loss of consciousness

If an athlete suffers a blow to the head and exhibits any of the above symptoms, a professional examination is warranted as soon as possible. Only a medical specialist like Dr. Sina Rajamand at Battle Born Brain & Spine can accurately diagnose a concussion injury and recommend the proper treatment protocol.

What Summer Sports Pose a High Risk for Concussions?

Many popular summertime sports pose a high risk for concussion due to the frequency of impacts between athletes and from hitting the ground. Amateur, collegiate and professional athletes are at risk of concussion from participation in:

• Baseball
• Soccer
• Cycling
• Lacrosse
• Volleyball
• Water polo
• Flag football

It is important for sports organizers, coaches and parents to be aware of the signs of concussion and have a plan of action in the event of an injury.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that around 300,000 concussions occur during recreational activities each year – and that number is just the ones reported in emergency rooms across the country. How many more go unreported and/or undiagnosed?

Being aware of concussion risks is important for those managing sports with younger people, as those under 25 whose brains are still under development are particularly susceptible to a concussion injury.

Specialist Treatment for Concussion Injuries in Reno, NV

Dr. Sina Rajamand at Battle Born Brain & Spine is a recognized specialist in diagnosing and treating concussion injuries. If you suspect a concussion in someone you love or in an athlete you know, Dr. Rajamand and his team can offer accurate diagnosis and high-level treatment protocols in Reno, Nevada. Contact us today to learn more.