6 Common Concussion Myths Debunked
What we know about concussions is growing bigger than a futsal player’s head when they score a hat trick. Coverage of concussions and their impacts on the long-term health of football players in particular has grabbed headlines. Yet there remain common concussion myths that can interfere with diagnosis and recovery. This article hopes to clear up some of that confusion.
What is a concussion? It’s an injury caused by trauma to the brain. Depending on the severity of the concussion, a young athlete could be sidelined for days or weeks. Common symptoms of concussion include:
Difficulty thinking clearly
Disorientation
Headache
Inability to follow directions
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness
Here in Charlotte, beloved Panther Luke Kuechly just retired at 28. Although he didn’t link his decision to step away to his several concussions many pundits expect it was an important factor. The linebacker in 2017 told ESPN: “I think when you play a contact sport there’s always inherent risk and inherent risk to injury…At what point do you tolerate it, and at what point is it enough? There’s been a lot of studies and a lot of different literature on concussion and head trauma and that kind of deal, and I think it’s a new subject that we’re constantly learning more and more about.”
That constant learning has helped science to debunk these several concussion myths.
#1 Loss of consciousness = concussion.
Concussions are relatively common. They affect 128 per 100,000 of the American population annually. Yet not everyone of those individuals will lose consciousness. Yes, it is a sign of a possible concussion, but it is not the only one.
Plus, if the person remains conscious despite the head trauma, they could still have suffered a concussion. In 90% of cases of concussion there is no loss of consciousness.
#2 You only get a concussion from a direct blow to the head.
That would certainly help cut down on concussions, but it isn’t true. Any sudden force that causes the brain to move around in the skull can lead to a concussion. This might come from whiplash in a car accident, a tough blow to the chest, or a hard fall.
Want to know what kind of foods can aid brain health and boost concussion recovery time? Our friends over at Queen City Mutiny wrote about that. Check it out!
#3 It’s OK to get back in the game.
Some forty percent of athletes with concussions return to the game before they should, according to concussion.org. There’s no good reason for a young athlete who has suffered any concussion-like symptoms to get back in the game. No matter how quickly the symptoms go away, you can’t tell immediately how serious a concussion that individual may have experienced.
“Handle a child’s brain with extreme care,” Dr. Victoria L. Dunckley of the Cerebrum Health Center says.
#4 Don’t let someone with a concussion sleep.
This was the old way of doing it with a concussion. You had to wake up the person with the concussion every hour. But now we know the opposite is true — at least after the initial observation stage. In the first 12 hours, a person suffering a concussion should be evaluated with a simple question and observation of any changes in behavior every 2-3 hours. (Still a far cry for the no more than 20 minutes of the myth). Then, after that initial period, plenty of sleep is an important way to help treat the concussion.
#5 You can’t take pain medication when you have a concussion.
Some medications are to be avoided. Aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Advil and Motrin), naproxen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs make that list. However, an over the counter acetaminophen (think Tylenol) is considered safe to treat the pain. Of course, when it comes to medication, consult with a healthcare professional first. A doctor may even prescribe medication to help the brain’s recovery.
#6 You must rest in the dark after a concussion.
This was the old treatment, but as our understanding of concussions has improved the best practices for care have changed. Avoiding bright lights and loud noise remains a good idea. Patients will also be encouraged to rest physically and mentally. Doctors are particularly forceful on the take away any screens advice. Giving the brain a rest means no video games, computer use, texting, or video streaming. But, hey, at least the young athlete doesn’t have to hang out in the dark all day and night. They will likely be encouraged to slowly return to regular activities.
Keep in mind that the signs of a concussion aren’t necessarily going to be immediately evident. Especially in kids. It’s important to keep an eye on young people who suffer head injuries for more than just a few hours or days even. Also know that no two concussions will be the same. Not even for the same individual.
The good news? The number of diagnosed concussions is on the rise. Concussion diagnosis for people under the age of 22 has risen by 500% since 2010. That may not sound like a good thing, but it means we’re doing a better job of recognizing the symptoms and intervening with recovery and treatment. That’s going to have short- and long-term benefits for the athlete or any individual who suffers a concussion.