Many people know that sports concussions are dangerous, but most don’t know why. After all, it’s just a concussion, right? This is not always the case.
A concussion is defined as any kind of bump, blow or jolt to the head that causes the head and the brain to move rapidly back and forth, according to the CDC. Keep reading to learn what really happens to the brain with a sports concussion!
Concussions Originate From Stretching Of Tissue In Head Trauma
Until recently, it was thought that concussions are caused by the brain colliding with the skull. However, based on new methodology and studies, the stretching of brain tissue when head trauma occurs is more significant.
When the brain is jostled, different parts of the brain are affected. Different parts of the brain moving at separate speeds during impact is part of what causes trauma, especially in the inner regions of the brain.
One problem with sports concussions is the frequency. It’s no coincidence that the frequency of concussions can cause brain trauma. The brain is already recovering from a concussion, which takes time. To get another one in a short period of time can mean permanent brain damage.
New Mouth Guard Can Measure How Fast The Brain Moves
Thanks to the creation of a new mouth guard, scientists are now able to measure how fast the brain moves. This measures not only brain impact but also how fast the brain is moving in space.
Before this mouth guard was created, the impact was measured with a helmet on the head. With a mouth guard, there is more accuracy since the teeth are attached to the skull and cannot move independently.
If You Have A Sports Concussion, Get Diagnosed ASAP!
With findings from the new mouth guard, scientists quickly realized that it is key for a sports concussion to be diagnosed as soon as possible. Once diagnosed, a sports concussion can be treated. Treatment is necessary if you want to regain any of your cognitive functions that may have been affected.
The kind of treatment someone with a sports concussion should receive depends on the severity of the brain trauma. With more accurate data, we may eventually have the ability to build a helmet that shields more of the head where trauma occurs.
Treating a concussion can involve many different aspects. Cognitive functions can be affected, along with memory and motor skills. Though a sports concussion may seem like it only resulted in a bump on the head, inside your brain a lot more is going on.
It’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to treating a sports concussion. Even a small amount of brain damage could be severe!
With a sports concussion, symptoms can be treated by a variety of people including neurologists, educational specialists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists.
Contact Scarborough NeuroDevelopment Center for an appointment if you are looking for relief from a sports concussion! We proudly serve the Scarborough and greater Portland, Maine areas. Don’t let a sports concussion hold you back!
