What is a Concussion?
A concussion is an injury to the brain that results in temporary loss of normal brain function. Medically, it is defined as a clinical syndrome characterized by immediate and transient alteration in brain function, including alteration of mental status or level of consciousness, that results from mechanical force or trauma. (American Association of Neurological Surgeons)
How it Occurs?
A concussion occurs when, “An external force and/or whiplash injury cause damage to the brain. It is the rapid acceleration and/or deceleration of the brain in the skull that causes damage to neurons.”
How Common are Concussions?
It is estimated that 1.6 – 3.7 million sports related concussions happen each year. Children aged 6-16, are 6x more likely to sustain a concussion in organized sports than recreational sports. A recent study reports that one third of athletes have sustained a blow to the head that resulted in the signs and symptoms of concussion but was not diagnosed as a concussion.
How is a Concussion Diagnosed?
Evidence of a concussion may not always be visible on MRI or CT scans. For this reason, neuropsychological tests are the preferred method of identification to determine if you are having difficulty with cognition and memory after a concussion.
Why Active Monitoring is Essential?
It is important to establish a baseline for cognitive function. At the beginning of each sports season, athletes should go through a baseline concussion test. This is a great beginning, but it has some flaws. The original baseline is just a snapshot of how your brain is working that day. That is why we have partnered with EQ Active.
