Myths around concussions video

Posted On: 04/07/2020

Myths around concussions video

Myth: “You Must Lose Consciousness to Have a Concussion.” However, in reality, loss of consciousness occurs in less than 10% of individuals with a concussion.

Myth: you must be hit in the head to have a concussion when the fact is that it’s caused by the brain shaking within the skull, which can be caused by direct or indirect force to the head, such as whiplash or a body hit.

Myth: Male athletes are more likely than female athletes to get a concussion. Actually. Females have a higher incidence rate of concussions and may actually have more complex recoveries.

Myth: You shouldn’t go to sleep after you sustain a concussion. For many years, people used to recommend not going to sleep after a concussion and waking people with one throughout the night, however sleeping through the night is fine once one has been evaluated by a medical professional. In fact, rest can be an important part of the recovery process.

Myth: There is no harm in finishing the game after hitting your head. The fact is that once an injury occurs, the brain is in an extremely vulnerable state and more susceptible to additional injury. When in doubt, sit it out.

Myth: “I don’t need to see a doctor if they’re just going to tell me to get some rest.” Actually, while rest is often the first intervention, there are a number of evaluations that need to be done in order to determine the severity of the injury as well as to determine the best treatment plan. Concussions are brain injuries and need to be managed accordingly.

Myth: all medical professionals are trained to manage concussions. The fact is that many medical professionals have not had training in concussion management, which is why it’s important to find a medical professional who has been properly trained in concussion management and treatment protocols.

So now you know even more about concussions thanks to the concussion clinic at the University of Pittsburgh Concussion Clinic.