Misconception: Concussions happen from hits to the head.
No, they actually occur from quick acceleration and deceleration of the brain inside the skull. This is why they can be so hard to diagnose. 95% of concussion patients will show no physical sign of injury. No direct impact to the head is necessary to cause a concussion. Concussion checks usually occur after hits to the head, but even if a player takes a hit to the body, they could still very easily have a concussion, but chances are they will not be checked for one.
Misconception: If you have a concussion you are supposed to rest.
Recent studies have shown that prolonged absolute rest, of up to five days, is actually damaging to concussion recovery. The new recommended rest period is 24-48 hours, with some exposure to light. Moderate excercise, even in those early stages, has shown to be beneficial to recovery and helps prevent chronic symptoms. The previously recommended five days of darkness and no activity should no longer be followed.
Misconception: You are okay to return to play once your symptoms are gone.
Concussions are a non-visible injury, so it is hard to tell when the brain is healed. Symptoms typically disappear within 7-10 days, but the brain can take about 4-6 times longer to fully recover. Just because the patient no longer feels symptoms does not mean they can return to play. Sustaining another concussion before full recovery can lead to serious damage and even death. All precautions, including baseline testing, should be taken to ensure full recovery is made before return to play and these decisions should be made with the advice of a licensed medical professional.
Misconception: There is no treatment for a concussion.
No, there is no cure yet, but there actually are a few proven ways to lessen concussion symptoms and speed up recovery.
Misconception: Concussions cause long-term brain damage.
It is actually very unlikely to sustain long-term brain damage from a concussion; however, through lack of treatment, poor recovery or succssive head injuries, one can sustain long-term or even permanent damage, and in some cases death. Proper treatment and return to play protocols must be utilized to ensure optimal rehabilitation following a concussion or head injury.
These misconceptions illustrate why a head impact indicator from Tozuda can be so valuable. Our device tells you if each hit has created enough impact to your brain to potentially cause a concussion. Immediate and accurate impact indication can help one get the medical attention they need as soon as possible, creating the best chance of full recovery. Proper and timely treatment can be the difference between an active and healthy life or permanent cognitive and emotional damage.
Learn more about concsussions and treatment [here ]
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