By Julia Soechtig ‘22
Concussions not only affect people short term, but also affect them their entire life. When you get a concussion, you either get impact to your head or whiplash. There aren’t certain tests that can let you know if you have a concussion but there are many symptoms, shorter and long term. After sustaining a head injury, check with a doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Delayed responsiveness
- Nausea
- Amnesia regarding the injury
- Looking dazed
- Slurred speech
What exactly is a concussion? Many people when asked didn’t know what a concussion was or how it can affect you in many ways.
Avery Gibson, a freshman at Rock Canyon High School, said, “I think a concussion is when you hit your head and it rattles around your brain.”
Riley Stefaniak, a sophomore at Highlands Ranch High School, said, “A concussion is a severe injury to your brain or your head caused by impact or something like that.”
Regis Jesuit freshman Rylee Butler said, “I think I know what a concussion is and I believe it’s trauma to the head and only to the head, you can’t get a concussion on your arm.”
They all were very hesitant when answering because they weren’t fully sure what happens during a concussion.
According to Piedmont.org, “In the skull, the brain is surrounded by cerebral spinal fluid, which absorbs shock during minor impact.”
But if your brain moves too rapidly inside your skull, a concussion will occur. This sudden movement creates chemical changes in the brain and can even stretch and damage brain cells. “Traumatic brain injuries can cause bruising, damage to the blood vessels, and injury to the nerves.” According to Webmd.com
According to protectthebrain.org “An estimated 1.6-3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year.”
“I have experienced a concussion myself at school and it had affected me because I started having continuous headaches during class which required me to have to leave which then required me to miss some things during class which I had to make up and it was kind of difficult.” Said Gibson.
She thinks that the main effect concussions have on people is how they mentally perform at school or work in their day to day lives.
Stefaniak has not experienced a concussion herself but she does have a freind who experienced a concussion in a horse back riding accident. Stefaniak said, “She hit her head on the ground and got a concussion and was rocking back and forth.”
Butler has a friend who has experienced multiple concussions due to skiing accidents. She said, “I do know one person who had a very severe concussion to the head and she gets very dizzy and forgetful after the fact.”
There are many ways you could help prevent yourself from getting a concussion. A major way to stay safe is to wear your helmet when you are playing a contact sport. Also follow the sports safety rules when playing to keep you and everyone else safe.
“People could probably prevent from getting a concussion by doing their sport safely or in football making sure they have their proper helmets on that are up to date and haven’t had injuries before that so it is protecting their head the way it should be.” Said Stefaniak.
Concussions are dangerous and once you get a concussion, its much easier to receive a second one. If you stay safe during day to day activities, then you can help prevent yourself from receiving a head injury.