With football season already
started, and all of the talk about concussion, what is a concussion? A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that
alters the way your brain functions. Effects are usually temporary, but can
include problems with headache, concentration, memory, judgment, balance and
coordination. Although concussions usually are caused by a blow to the head,
they can also occur when the head and upper body are violently shaken. These
injuries can cause a loss of consciousness, but most concussions do not.
started, and all of the talk about concussion, what is a concussion? A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that
alters the way your brain functions. Effects are usually temporary, but can
include problems with headache, concentration, memory, judgment, balance and
coordination. Although concussions usually are caused by a blow to the head,
they can also occur when the head and upper body are violently shaken. These
injuries can cause a loss of consciousness, but most concussions do not.
Here are some signs and symptoms of
a concussion:
a concussion:
- Concentration and memory complaints
- Irritability and other personality changes
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Sleep disturbances
- Psychological adjustment problems and depression
- Disorders of taste and smell
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
- Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
- Dizziness or “seeing stars”
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue
If you notice any of these present
in an athlete have them evaluated by an Athletic Trainer or Physician.
in an athlete have them evaluated by an Athletic Trainer or Physician.
With the emphasis on preventing
concussions in football the NFL partnering with USA football, the CDC and many
other organizations have started the Heads Up Football Program. This program teaches players, parents, and
coaches proper fundamentals for tackling, as well as, many other aspects of
football. Coaches can become certified
by taking a course through USA football.
This program hopes to help prevent some concussion in football by
teaching proper fundamentals, and equipment fitting.
concussions in football the NFL partnering with USA football, the CDC and many
other organizations have started the Heads Up Football Program. This program teaches players, parents, and
coaches proper fundamentals for tackling, as well as, many other aspects of
football. Coaches can become certified
by taking a course through USA football.
This program hopes to help prevent some concussion in football by
teaching proper fundamentals, and equipment fitting.
Here are some tips to make sure
your helmet is fitted correctly.
your helmet is fitted correctly.
·
There should be about 1 inch between your
eyebrows and top of the face mask
There should be about 1 inch between your
eyebrows and top of the face mask
·
The helmet should be snug and not move around
the head when the face mask is shaken
The helmet should be snug and not move around
the head when the face mask is shaken
lightly.
·
You should be able to see the ears through the
ear holes.
You should be able to see the ears through the
ear holes.
·
Make sure the helmet is still certified or
certified reconditioned.
Make sure the helmet is still certified or
certified reconditioned.
Check out the Heads Up website for
more information and some good videos on proper helmet fitting and heads up
tackling.
more information and some good videos on proper helmet fitting and heads up
tackling.
