Understanding the Dangers of Concussions

Last updated 7 months ago

Concussions are common sports injuries that can occur due to trauma to the head. Although head injuries are often ignored, they can lead to serious neurological damage or even death. Even if you feel fine or your son or daughter appears fine following a head injury, you should still seek professional medical care as soon as possible. Here is a look at some of the dangers of concussions.

Concussions most often result from traumatic blows to the head. However, they can also result from blows to the neck or body in which the force is then translated to the head, resulting in injury. In many cases, a concussion results from a blow during a sports game that doesn’t directly involve the head, so it’s important to see a doctor for all sports-related injuries.
All concussions result in some kind of neurological change, leading to symptoms developing over time such as headaches and nausea, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or even behavioral effects such as feelings of anxiety, depression, and fatigue. In most cases, these symptoms will abate within one to two weeks, but in some cases symptoms can linger, affecting a person’s lifestyle and functioning. In these cases, it is especially important to see a doctor regarding treatment for the injury.
Though rare, the most dangerous complication of a concussion is called second impact syndrome. In these cases, an athlete experiences a second sports injury leading to concussion before the initial concussion has healed. The shock of the first concussion leaves the brain in a vulnerable state, and even a small second impact can result in death. This is why it’s so important to see a doctor after any sports injury, especially a head injury.

Visit Drew Stein, MD for proper diagnosis and treatment of concussions and other sport-related injuries in New York. Dr. Stein specializes in sports medicine, including injuries to the head, shoulders, and back. For more information, visit our website or call (212) 398-2300.