This past Wednesday, November 30, my Fundamentals in Biomedical Sciences (II) class was visited by Dr. Peter Rippey from the University of South Alabama as a continuation of our Trauma Week activities. Dr. Rippey came to discuss Sport Related Concussions (SRC).
Our patient, Connor, woke up the day after his injury complaining of trouble sleeping, light/sound sensitivity, extreme headache, and overall “fogginess”. Our patient was suffering a concussion as a result of his injuries. His concussion symptoms were overshadowed by those of his open tibia-fibula fracture.
Concussions are traumatically induced transient disturbance of brain functions that are classified as mild traumatic brain injuries. They stretch neurons in the brain which causes the cell to leak potassium and take in calcium. They can’t be seen on a scan, so concussions have to be diagnosed through an examination of symptoms. Most concussions go undiagnosed, though, as many don’t know the signs/symptoms of a concussion or choose to ignore it altogether. Sports account for 30% of yearly concussions, with athletes facing a 2-15% chance of concussion per sports season.
Concussions are diagnosed clinically. Concussion probability should be assessed by trainers immediately after injury in the situation of a sport. Trainers should look for abnormality in pupils or balance. In the office, physicians can diagnose a concussion with the use of a SCAT5 form. This form, when completed in full, will score a patient to determine whether or not the patient has a concussion. This score is determined by symptom evaluation and tests of balance, eye function, and cognitive ability.
Concussion recovery is a long process. A patient should rest for the immediate 24-48 hours following their injury. Patients may need physical therapy for balance
or counseling for extreme mood changes. There is no treatment for a concussion, but tylenol/ibuprofen can be taken for some symptoms. Symptoms shouldn’t last longer than a month. Patients should avoid taking tests immediately following their injury, and patients might benefit from a few days away from school. Patients can engage in light activity a few days after their injury. Activity can be slowly bumped up over the coming days. Every patient is different, but an athlete should be cleared around 2-3 weeks following their injury. It is important to monitor the mental health of athletes in the weeks following their injury, for concussions can catalyze the contraction of/worsening of conditions such as depression and anxiety.
I would like to thank Dr. Rippey for his contribution to Trauma week, and I surely hope that I don’t get a concussion in the future!
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