November 1998
Concussions: Just How
Serious Are They? |
| Unfortunately,
this often means injuries of all sorts, including head injuries. And the most common head
injury is a concussion. |
| The fall sports season is a time for soccer and
football players to do battle on the pitch and gridiron. Unfortunately, this often means
injuries of all sorts, including head injuries. And the most common head injury is a
concussion. |
A concussion is the general term for the slight damage to the brain and accompanying
short-lived disorientation and/or loss of consciousness associated with a blow to the
head. Concussions are serious conditions and can be fatal. |
 |
|
| GRADE I |
Mild |
No loss of consciousness, but some
dizziness or brief disorientation. |
Remove athlete from play until
disorientation / "stars" dissipate. Two mild concussions in same game-remove
athlete for remainder of game. |
| GRADE II |
Moderate |
Unconsciousness for up to two minutes with
confusion, dizziness and, usually, headache. Unsteadiness on feet, ringing in ears and
minimal amnesia are often evident and persist for a while following injury. |
Remove athlete for rest of game and seek
medical assessment. |
| GRADE III |
Severe |
Unconscious for two or more minutes with
significant and prolonged amnesia. Unsteadiness on feet for more than 10 minutes,
persistent headache, ringing in ear, severe dizziness and nausea are evident. |
Immobilize head and neck and take athlete
to hospital. |
The very fact that concussions deal with injury to the brain should
compel all to err on the side of caution when an athlete appears "woozy" or
"sees stars." If you are uncertain as to the grade of concussion, seek medical
attention.
If you need a referral to a primary care physician in the Greater
Cincinnati area, click here or
call the Health Alliance Physician Referral Line at 1-888-749-DRDR.
Find a Physician
The Health Alliance hospitals routinely host many types of support groups
and classes; check back often, as new events are being planned now.
|
Contact Us:
Find
A Physician
1-888-749-DRDR
.
|
