Anybody can get a concussion, but not everybody wants to admit that they have one. A concussion is a brain injury which is caused by blow or hit to the head, making the brain move within the skull. In sports like, American football, hockey, rugby, soccer, and basketball, concussions are seen very often with the amount of contact. Scat3 tests are used by athletic trainers to evaluate injured athletes, to see if they are showing symptoms of a concussion. It isn’t easy to tell if somebody has a concussion due to the fact that symptoms aren’t always visual right away. But when symptoms do show, they can last up to days, and sometimes, weeks. Some symptoms include:
Severe/constant headaches
Confusion
Dizziness
Slurred speech
Nausea/vomiting
Fatigue
Keep in mind these are only some of the symptoms shown. If players from a team show symptoms of a concussion, they should be told to see a physician for a diagnosis. Before players are allowed to resume play, they not only need to be re-examined by a physician but need to follow these 6 steps:
No Physical Activity- you should not be involved in any type of physical activity until all symptoms are no longer shown
Light Aerobic Exercise- Start activities like walking or stationary cycling. You must be monitored as you perform these exercises. No weight-lifting, or resistance training should be done. Symptoms returned? Rest until gone, if they persist, tell a physician. No symptoms? Continue to step three.
Sport Specific Activity- Skating and throwing are things that can now be practiced. No body contact whatsoever. Symptoms returned? Rest until gone, if they persist, tell a physician. No symptoms? Continue to step 4!
Drills Without Body Contact- Symptoms returned? Rest until gone, if they persist, tell a physician. No symptoms? This all depends on severity. Only continue to step 5 if you have medical clearance.
“On Field” practice with body contact- ONLY PROCEED TO THIS STEP ONCE YOU HAVE MEDICAL CLEARANCE!!! Symptoms returned? Rest until gone, if they persist, tell a physician. No symptoms? Continue to step 6!