A mild concussion is categorized as a traumatic head injury that develop from both minor and serious blows to the head. Some cases of head injuries might appear mild but based on studies, it was discovered that the injuries can lead to serious, lasting effects. Sustaining repeated head injuries or cumulative concussions can result to long-term consequences.
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The cumulative effect of concussions in athletes reveal that even a mild concussion can lead to serious lasting issues especially if an athlete is allowed to play too early or has a history of the head injuries.
Indications of concussions
A concussion is triggered by severe trauma to the head where the brain is violently shaken inside the skull that the brain cells all fire at once which is similar to a seizure. The indications of a mild concussion include the following:
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Memory loss
Since these symptoms might be present or subside within a few minutes, athletes are often allowed to continue with the sport before the brain has enough time to properly heal.
When to resume play?
Based on studies conducted, allowing an individual to play too early after a mild concussion increases the risk for more serious injury to the brain. Since concussions are sustained every season by most athletes, figuring out when it is safe to return to play is a vital point to bear in mind.
Lasting effects of a mild concussion in sports
A history of concussions can lead to long-term memory loss and other issues. An individual with previous concussions might have a lower threshold for subsequent injuries and increases the severity of the symptoms even in a mild concussion.
Those who sustained 3 or more concussions are at higher risk to suffer from severe symptoms such as loss of memory and consciousness than those who have not endured previous concussions.
In a study conducted, it was discovered that the level of attention and concentration was affected in both athletes who recently had an injury but also for those who have no current symptoms but had a history of 2 or more concussions. Additionally, they also have a drastically reduced grade point average in school.