What is a concussion?
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A concussion is a functional brain injury caused by a blow or sudden acceleration and deceleration to the head, neck or body, with forces transmitted to the brain. While the structure of the brain doesnโt change, how it functions does.
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Concussion signs and symptoms can be a bit confusing, and each person may experience these differently.
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๐๐ค๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐ง๐๐๐ค๐๐ฃ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ช๐จ๐จ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐ค๐ง ๐จ๐ช๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ช๐จ๐จ๐๐ค๐ฃ?
Recognition of concussion may happen immediately, it may be identified from the side-line, whilst attending the player on field or in the 24-48 hours post game.
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If any of the following signs or symptoms are present following a head injury the player should be suspected of having concussion and be immediately removed from play or training.
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* Seizure (fits)
* Loss of consciousness (LOC) โ confirmed or suspected โ visible signs suggesting LOC โ lying motionless on the ground for more than 5 seconds, slow to get up off the ground
* Unsteady on feet or balance problems or falling over or poor coordination
* Confused
* Disorientated โ not aware of where they are or who they are or the time of day
* Dazed, blank or vacant look
* Grabbing or clutching of head
* Behavioural changes g. more emotional or more irritable
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* Headache
* Dizziness
* Mental clouding, confusion, or feeling slowed down
* Visual problems
* Nausea or vomiting
* Fatigue
* Drowsiness/feeling like โin a fogโ/difficulty concentrating
* โPressure in headโ
* Sensitivity to light or noise
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๐ฟ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ค๐จ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐พ๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ช๐จ๐จ๐๐ค๐ฃ
โRecognise and removeโ is an essential first line approach with concussion. However, diagnosing a concussion and managing the recovery thereafter, towards a return to sport can be challenging.
The Welsh Rugby Union and The FA recommend that all individuals suspected of sustaining a concussion should be seen by a Doctor with experience in concussion management prior to return to play.
At Pro Sports Medicine we can support you in this processโฆ find our more about our Concussion Management Clinic here –ย https://prosportsmedicine.co.uk/concussion-clinic-cardiff/
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