Concussion
Mechanism: Concussions result from a sudden blow or jolt to the head. Headbutting, undercutting, flying elbows, stepping on a head, checking an opponent in the head, and sticks to the head are all possible causes of concussions.
Symptoms: confusion or feeling dazed, clumsiness, slurred speech, nausea or vomiting, headache, balance problems or dizziness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to noise, sluggishness, ringing in ears, behavior or personality changes, concentration difficulties, memory loss
Diagnosis: There are three grades of concussions: mild grade 1 (symptoms last less than 15 minutes, no loss of consciousness), moderate grade 2 (no loss of consciousness but symptoms last more than 15 minutes), and severe grade 3 (loss of consciousness, no matter how long).
Treatment/Rehabilitation: See a doctor and s/he will determine the severity of your concussion. Be prepared to tell the doctor how your injury happened. You may be asked to answer simple questions such as "Where do you live?" "When is your birthday?" and "Who is the president?" If the concussion is sever, you will be prescribed medication. If you have suffered any degree of concussion, you will most likely be advised to not go to school, and instead stay home and rest in a dark room, not using electronics. You will have to sit out of sports until you can go a full 24 hours without experiencing concussion symptoms. It is important not to resume play too soon because that would put you at risk for second impact syndrome.
Prevention: Do not initiate head to head contact, even if you are wearing a helmet. Avoid striking an opponent in the head. Practice good sportsmanship at all times. If you are doing a shooting drill in practice or warm-up and you are standing behind the goal, be sure to keep your head up and be aware that people are shooting in your direction so that you can dodge a shot if needed.
Symptoms: confusion or feeling dazed, clumsiness, slurred speech, nausea or vomiting, headache, balance problems or dizziness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to noise, sluggishness, ringing in ears, behavior or personality changes, concentration difficulties, memory loss
Diagnosis: There are three grades of concussions: mild grade 1 (symptoms last less than 15 minutes, no loss of consciousness), moderate grade 2 (no loss of consciousness but symptoms last more than 15 minutes), and severe grade 3 (loss of consciousness, no matter how long).
Treatment/Rehabilitation: See a doctor and s/he will determine the severity of your concussion. Be prepared to tell the doctor how your injury happened. You may be asked to answer simple questions such as "Where do you live?" "When is your birthday?" and "Who is the president?" If the concussion is sever, you will be prescribed medication. If you have suffered any degree of concussion, you will most likely be advised to not go to school, and instead stay home and rest in a dark room, not using electronics. You will have to sit out of sports until you can go a full 24 hours without experiencing concussion symptoms. It is important not to resume play too soon because that would put you at risk for second impact syndrome.
Prevention: Do not initiate head to head contact, even if you are wearing a helmet. Avoid striking an opponent in the head. Practice good sportsmanship at all times. If you are doing a shooting drill in practice or warm-up and you are standing behind the goal, be sure to keep your head up and be aware that people are shooting in your direction so that you can dodge a shot if needed.