Concussion

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that results from a trauma. In soccer, your head is not protected by a helmet or any other type of personal protective equipment. When a ball is flying through the air, if you do not head it right, an injury can occur. A fall or collision could also potentially result in a concussion.

Understanding a Concussion

This injury literally means that the brain banged against the skull. Depending on the severity, this can result in blood vessels tearing, brain bruising or nerve injury. In the majority of cases, people fully recover with rest, but there are certainly exceptions. When you fall victim to a concussion, you could experience a wide range of symptoms, varying from a headache to loss of consciousness. This is an injury that absolutely needs medical evaluation.

How are Concussions Diagnosed?

The signs and symptoms will not always be apparent right away. In some cases, it can take days for them to rear their ugly head. If you have taken a blow to the head, even if you have no symptoms, it is a good idea to head to the doctor and get checked out. First, your doctor will probably perform a neurological assessment. This is done to see if your head injury has caused any issues with the following:

• Concentration and memory
• Hearing
• Balance
• Reflexes
• Vision
• Sensation and strength
• Coordination

If you doctor feels the need for imaging, a CT scan is the most commonly used for concussions. In the majority of cases, this test will take about 10 minutes to complete.

You should be observed for a minimum of 24 hours following a concussion. This can be done at home if the doctor sends you home. If your concussion is more severe, observation via staying overnight in the hospital may be necessary.

Preventing a Concussion

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to prevent a concussion because accidents can and do happen in soccer. However, there are ways to reduce your risk of falling victim. Know the game and your position well. This will prevent you from being where you should not be on the field, which can reduce the risk of collisions. Also, play cautiously. This can certainly be hard, especially when the game is on the line, but avoiding collisions and hard contact can help to prevent concussions.