Over the last few decades, scientists have gained a much better understanding of what happens to your brain during a concussion. It’s allowed them to understand better the devastating effects that a traumatic brain injury can have, and how to treat them properly. Unfortunately, the general public does not understand how nasty a concussion can be. To gain a better appreciation, you can start by having an idea of what happens to your brain during a concussion.
Typical Indicators Of A Concussion
- Lightheadedness, Dizziness, Or Disorientation
- Slowed Reaction Times
- Constant Irritability or Mood Swings
- Nausea and Headache
- Blurred Vision or Trouble Viewing Bright Lights
- Difficulty Listening to Loud Sounds
Tips To Help You Keep Your Child Safe
1. Have A Thorough Discussion With Coaches And Team Trainers
For parents, entrusting the safety and well-being of their child to another human-being is no easy task. Performing in constructive dialogue with your kid’s coach can help you gain confidence in knowing that injuries will be taken care of appropriately. Athletes should never go right back into the game after presenting signs of a concussion. Many times symptoms appear immediately, but on other occasions, they may be delayed for a day or two. Talk to the team’s staff about what they are doing to prevent the injuries from occurring in the first place. For instance, football players should receive training over proper tackling techniques, which can protect against concussions, paralysis, and different conditions.
2. Promote Physical Activity During Recovery
Concussion recipients will need plenty of rehabilitation and rest to reach a recovery, which most people do within a week or two, but everything hinges on the extent of the damages. Kids will no undoubtedly want to sleep during this period, or kick back and play video games, but walking may actually speed up the healing process. It is important to remember to keep the exercise light because too much physical assertion can leave the child feeling even more fatigued.
3. Players Should Always Wear The Appropriate Safety Equipment
Batting, Football, and other helmets must be in stellar condition. The devices should have the correct sized padding to produce a snug fit. There must never be any cracks or damages to the surface. Face masks need to be of adequate strength to withstand impacts, with no weak points, and all of the screws that hold the covers in place should be present. The headgears are vital for protecting the head from wild pitches, head to head hits, and collisions with the ground. Unfortunately, these helmets do not always prevent concussions entirely, but they are an essential first line of defense to limit their severity.
4. Reduce The Amount Of Contact During Practice
Ultimately, the decision to decrease contact in practice will be made by the coach, school district, or other controlling organization. Parents should voice their concerns through the appropriate channels to implement policy changes. Hockey is one of the toughest sports out there. Athletes regularly perform body checks, become involved in helmet-to-body or helmet altercations, and get knocked down on the hard ice. These actions occur both in practice and on game day. By reducing these instances during training, with any luck, student-athletes will remain concussion-free.
5. Enforce The Rules
Always be on the lookout for unsportsmanlike conduct. With everything moving fast, adrenaline pumping, and players being so competitive, things can get a little out of control quickly. Contestants should never slap, punch, or utilize equipment to hit other participants anywhere, and not just the head. These young athletes must always practice good sportsmanship, which builds character and helps them succeed, but most importantly it allows the experience to be fun and safe for everyone to enjoy.
Unfortunately, all the protection in the world may not prevent concussions from occurring. Be prepared for when they do happen with Pro2Cool by TecTraum