What's a Concussion?

It's a Traumatic Brain Injury

Knowledge around concussions has improved over recent years, but there are still misconceptions about how serious these injuries are, and if not treated quickly and appropriately, they can lead to prolonged symptoms and serious long-term health issues. In rare cases, poor management of a concussion pitch-side can cause death.

What we know about concussions is that they are a traumatic brain injury. It can be caused by a direct blow to the head or from forces transmitted to the head, e.g. whiplash or violent shaking. Symptoms can vary and sometimes be unassuming, and they are often short-lived - but not always. The risk of long term issues goes up depending on the severity and number of concussions you have.

Signs of a Concussion

Symptoms of a Concussion

What to look for if you suspect someone is concussed.

If an injured person experiences any of these symptoms, it should be suspected that they have a concussion.

• Temporary loss of consciousness (doesn't always occur)

• Slurred speech

• Delayed response to questions

• Dazed appearance

• Forgetfulness, such as asking the same questions repeatedly

• Lying motionless or slow to get up off the ground

• Unsteady on feet/falling over/incoordination

• Grabbing or clutching their head

• Seizures

• Headache

• Ringing in the ears

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Fatigue or drowsiness

• Blurry vision

• Confusion or feeling as if in a fog

• Amnesia surrounding the event

• Dizziness or "seeing stars"

• "Pressure in the head"

• Sensitivity to light or noise

Other symptoms can occur days later, like;

• Trouble with concentration and memory

• Irritability and other personality changes

• Sensitivity to light and noise

• Trouble sleeping

• Feeling emotional or depressed

• Changes in taste and smell

Children can sometimes present with different symptoms.

• Change in eating or sleeping patterns

• Lack of interest in favourite toys

• Dazed appearance

• Excessive crying

• Trouble communicating, so they might say, "I just don't feel right"

Red Flags To Look Out For

If any of the following symptoms are observed in someone who's experiencing a head injury, seek medical assistance immediately.

• Repeated vomiting or nausea

• A loss of consciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds

• A headache that gets worse over time

• Fluid or blood draining from the nose or ears

• Vision or eye changes, e.g. pupils may be bigger than usual or of unequal sizes

• Ringing in the ears that doesn't go away

• Weakness in the arms or legs

• Severe neck pain

• Changes in behaviour

• Confusion or disorientation, e.g. not recognising people or places

• Slurred speech or changes in speech

• Obvious changes to mental function

• Changes in physical coordination, such as stumbling or clumsiness

• Seizures or convulsions

• Large head bumps or bruises, e.g. bruises around the eyes or behind the ears.

What Can Happen If Concussions Aren't Managed

All concussions need to be taken seriously.

While the majority of individuals recover fully without long-term implications, the risks increase significantly if further injury is sustained when the brain hasn't fully recovered.

If not properly recognised and managed, concussions can lead to:

• Prolonged symptoms, sometimes referred to as post-concussion syndrome

• Long-term health concerns, including potential links to neurodegenerative conditions (research in this area is ongoing and developing)

• Lastly, you can experience a rare complication called 'Second Impact Syndrome', which can be fatal

How We Can Help

Concussions are going to happen, and at ClearMind, we offer specialist-led, one-to-one concussion management, providing clear direction, tailored support, and the reassurance you need to return to sport safely and confidently.

Ready to take concussion management seriously?