School is out and summer vacation is here! Many of us will beat the heat this summer in the water. Pools, oceans, lakes, rivers, and even ponds offer an oasis away from the sun’s broiling heat. But with water comes inherent risks. Obviously, swimming unsupervised or in dangerous currents can result in outcomes we do not want to imagine, but a series of lesser dangers lurk under the surface – one of them is head injuries.

Water-related head injuries can happen in a variety of ways and in numerous circumstances.

Let’s review some common ones and treatment options:

Ocean – Lets include all saltwater in this category.

The biggest risk here is neck and back injury from hitting the bottom. Every year some unfortunate folks down the shore bodysurf or dive into shallow water resulting in neck and spine injuries. When this occurs, it is best to get the victim out of the water and immediately call 911. Someone who has suffered this kind of injury must be assessed immediately by a physician.

Also, never jump off a structure (bridge or pier) into saltwater. Underwater hazards can result in catastrophic injury. Don’t do it!

Finally, take care when operating vehicles on the water. While fun, operating boats and jet skis under the wrong circumstances can lead to injury. Common injuries include whiplash, concussion, and fractures. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and ride in/on the vehicle properly. Have fun but be careful.

Pools – There is nothing like a refreshing dip in the pool to cool off on a hot summer day. But just like the ocean many people hurt their head, neck, and spine hitting the bottom or side. Always know the depth of the water you are diving into and avoid going head first. If you or someone does hit their head call 911.

Concussions are a rather common injury in pools. Not only the result of hitting your head on the side or bottom but also contact with another person. Accidental kicks, knees or elbows to the head can cause concussions. And it isn’t just in backyard pools. We see this injury from some of our league or school swimmers who bump into a teammate or foe in the water. If this happens remove the person from the pool at once and alert the person in charge. Concussions can be slow or fast to materialize symptoms, so it is best to rest and evaluate.

We would be remiss to not mention one other source of head, neck and spine injuries that see an uptick during the summer months. Bicycles. More people ride bikes this time of year than any other. Whether it is a beach cruiser down the shore or the local group of kids in the neighborhood bicycle accidents can result in severe injury. Always wear a helmet and never wear flip flops or loose-fitting sandals while riding. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in traffic, and keep your phone away. Most bike injuries are minor but bad spills, accidents with pedestrians or other bikes, or cars, can lead to bad injury and should be treated by a medical professional.

It is our hope that this summer is relaxing and cool by the pool (or beach). But please keep in mind the risks and responsibilities that come with being in the water.

The post How to Prevent Head Injuries This Summer appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

However, just wearing this gear is not enough to protect you from serious injury or a concussion. It’s crucial to be aware of the many factors that come into play when protecting your body from injury.

Keep reading for more information on how to properly fit your protective gear in order to prevent concussion and to stay healthy and injury-free.

Helmet

Before choosing a helmet, you’ll need to measure your head. Use a cloth tape measure and wrap it around your head, just above the eyebrow. This will give you the circumference measurement that you need.

Use this number to determine your size when you go to pick out a helmet. Before you purchase the helmet, make sure that it’s clean inside and out and there are no defects.

Then, test the helmet out. You may have to try on a few to find one that fits correctly. The interior padding should be firm against the head without being too tight, and jaw pads should be in contact with the jaw, rather than the ears.

Mouth Guard

When you first purchase a mouth guard, follow the instructions on the package regarding how to mold it to your mouth. You’ll typically boil it in water for a short period of time until it becomes more flexible. After it cools slightly, put it in your mouth and allow it to conform to your teeth. Make sure it is large enough to cover most of your teeth, and avoid cutting it down too much.

Mouth guards reduce the magnitude of an impact and can minimize the injury if you receive a blow to the face or head.

Replacing Old Protective Gear

If your equipment is old and worn, it can’t do its job properly to protect your body from injury. The lifespan of your protective gear depends on the quality of the material, how often you use it, and how long you’ve owned it. If you’re practicing a minimum of five days per week, there is a good chance that your protective gear will only last for one season. You may even need to replace it in the middle of the season. Be sure to check your equipment for tears or other issues so that you can be fully protected at all times.

Use this advice when fitting your protective gear and you will also reduce your risk of sustaining a concussion. It’s important to take every precaution you can to avoid this serious brain injury.

If you are dealing with a sports injury and believe that you need surgery, click here to download our e-book, Your How-To Guide to Choosing an Orthopaedic Surgeon. This guide will provide you with all the information you need for selecting a reputable surgeon.

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A concussion is a serious brain injury resulting from a blow to the head or the body and alters the way the brain functions. Symptoms include:

• Headache
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Double or fuzzy vision
• Dizziness
• Balance problems
• Nausea
• Slow reaction time
• Amnesia
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Feeling sluggish, foggy, or groggy
• Feeling emotional
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances

Being educated is one of the best ways to prevent a concussion or to deal with it if one does occur. The following are some of the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding concussions.

Myth: You always lose consciousness when you experience a concussion.

You DO NOT have to lose consciousness for a concussion to occur. Sometimes people will lose consciousness after a blow to the head, but this is not always the case.

Myth: You will experience concussion symptoms immediately after a blow to the head.

Concussion symptoms may not show up until 24 or 48 hours later. This is why it’s important to continuously monitor yourself or the person who may be dealing with a potential concussion. If you are hit in the head or body, and it’s possible that a concussion has occurred, be sure to remove yourself from the game and avoid participating in physical activity.

Myth: You can return to physical activity a day or two after receiving a concussion.

The worst thing you can do when dealing with a concussion is to participate in any physical activity. This will prolong the healing process and only make your symptoms worse.

Myth: You can take aspirin for a concussion.

DO NOT take aspirin for a concussion because this can increase the risk of bleeding. Instead, take acetaminophen or Tylenol to alleviate headache pain.

Myth: It’s impossible to reduce the risk of a concussion.

There are many precautions you can take in order to reduce the risk of suffering a concussion. First, you’ll need to be fully educated. Learning about how concussions are caused and what you can do to prevent them is the first step toward protecting yourself. Second, you’ll need to wear fitted protective gear, such as a helmet, mouth guard, and padding on your body, when participating in physical activity. It’s important that this equipment fits properly and is replaced when it begins to show signs of wear.

Now that you understand concussions better, you also know how to reduce the risk of suffering one, as well as how to deal with the situation should one occur.

If you have a serious injury and are considering surgery, download our e-book, Your How-To Guide to Choosing an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

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A concussion is a common brain injury caused by a traumatic blow to a person’s head or body. This can result from people colliding, an object being thrown at someone’s head, or a person falling to the ground. It’s also common to experience a concussion when involved in a motor vehicle accident.

When a concussion occurs, the way the brain functions is altered. Depending on the extent of the damage, the concussion is classified as mild, moderate, or severe. The size and location of the injury will also determine what types of symptoms emerge, such as cognitive deficits or behavioral issues. Symptoms will also vary from person to person, but typically include the following:

• Headache
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Double or fuzzy vision
• Dizziness
• Balance problems
• Nausea
• Slow reaction time
• Amnesia
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Feeling sluggish, foggy, or groggy
• Feeling emotional
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances

Typically, concussion symptoms will last anywhere from one to six weeks. However, some people may experience post-concussion syndrome in which symptoms last much longer than this. While long-term effects of concussions are rare, they still occur and can include the following:

• Trouble focusing and paying attention
• Short-term memory loss
• Difficulty performing daily tasks
• Feeling ‘slower’
• Difficulty making decisions
• Difficulty processing a lot of information
• Trouble resolving problems

Multiple Concussions

Dealing with multiple concussions over time can be very dangerous, so it’s even more crucial to protect yourself if you’ve already experienced one concussion in your lifetime. Repeated concussions have been shown to cause permanent damage to the brain and even dementia later in life.

Repetitive Head Injuries

Second impact syndrome occurs when someone experiences a second head injury while still dealing with symptoms of the first. The second injury can occur days or weeks after the first, and can cause cerebral edema and herniation which could lead to death.

It’s for this reason that athletes must absolutely wait until their concussion symptoms have fully dissipated before returning to play or even before participating in rigorous physical activity.

Protect Your Body

Because a concussion is very serious, it’s vital that you take all the steps you can to protect your head and your body. Make sure you wear a fitted helmet, mouth guard, and other protective gear. And remember, a blow to the body can cause a concussion just as a blow to the head will.

If you’re dealing with a serious injury and are considering surgery, download our e-book, Your How-To Guide to Choosing an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

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A concussion is a brain injury that alters the way the brain functions. It can occur after a blow to the head or body from contact with the ground, a ball, another player, or another object. The severity of the injury depends on many factors, and is sometimes not fully realized until symptoms resolve and brain function is back to normal. A concussion, and its symptoms, can vary significantly from one athlete to another.

Symptoms include:

• Headache
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Double or fuzzy vision
• Dizziness
• Balance problems
• Nausea
• Slow reaction time
• Amnesia
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Feeling sluggish, foggy, or groggy
• Feeling emotional
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances

New Tools

Concussions are difficult injuries for physicians to diagnose because symptoms vary and can take up to a week to manifest. Because concussions can affect different areas of the brain, physicians are always looking for the next technological breakthrough to help with concussion detection and treatment. The most recent advancements in tools for early brain injury detection fall into three categories: impact sensors, sideline assessments, and biomarkers.

Impact Sensors

Impact sensors are accelerometer devices that attach to helmets, mouth guards, or the skin, and record the strength of varying forces caused when a collision occurs.

Sideline Assessments

Sideline assessments are being developed to help with detection during practice or a game. This will help determine whether the affected player can return to play or not.

Biomarkers

While biomarkers are not currently being used in the field, this capability is being utilized during recovery by screening blood and saliva. This test is still a work in progress and the question of how to obtain and analyze samples in a reasonable amount of time needs to be addressed.

Premier’s Concussion Care Solution

Premier Orthopaedics utilizes state-of-the-art computerized neurocognitive assessment tools to ensure every patient is evaluated using the best technology available today. In addition to the advanced technology, experienced and knowledgeable staff members always provide comprehensive concussion assessments and physical examinations.

Premier uses this advanced technology in combination with several other components to provide the best care solution to all patients. By focusing on educating athletes, parents, and coaches, we strive to help you identify and manage concussions effectively.

If you’re dealing with a serious injury and are in need of surgery, download our e-book, Your How-To Guide to Choosing an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

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If you’ve experienced a traumatic blow to the head or body and you’re not feeling yourself, you may be experiencing concussion symptoms. When dealing with this injury, it’s important that you don’t ignore your symptoms.

The first 24 to 48 hours after the injury occurs is when concussion symptoms typically start to show up. These symptoms include the following:

• Headache that gets progressively worse
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Double or fuzzy vision
• Dizziness
• Balance problems
• Nausea
• Slow reaction time
• Amnesia
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Feeling sluggish, foggy, or groggy
• Feeling emotional
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Pupils that are enlarged or different in size

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to stop all forms of physical activity. When you’re dealing with a concussion, your brain needs rest in order to heal. Some athletes try to “play through” their concussion and return to their sport, but this will further disrupt the brain and prolong concussion symptoms.

Just as it’s important to avoid physical activity, your brain needs cognitive rest as well. Spend a couple of days in a quiet room and don’t watch TV or use the computer. Reading can also stimulate the brain, so it’s best to avoid this activity as well.

After your injury occurs, see a doctor right away. It’s difficult to diagnose a concussion, so your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and perform a series of tests to help you recover.

Premier Orthopaedics has a complete concussion care solution for patients who have suffered this brain injury. The certified physicians and athletic trainers are dedicated to helping patients recover and getting them back in the game as soon as possible. Components of this program include the following:

• Educating coaches, parents, athletes, and others about concussions
• Utilizing state-of-the-art computerized neurocognitive assessment tools to ensure every patient is evaluated with the best technology available.
• Concussion assessment and physical examination by experienced, knowledgeable concussion providers
• Physical therapy, including for balance and vestibular function
• How to safely return to play after a concussion

Premier Orthopaedics specializes in concussion management and features a concussion program to educate and assist athletes, parents, and coaches in the proper identification and management of concussions. They also utilize a neurocognitive assessment tool and comprehensive management services that allow certified physicians to guide the patient to recovery.

For comprehensive and dedicated care, click here to set up a consultation with a Premier Orthopaedics physician and get back on the road to recovery.

If you’re dealing with a serious injury and you’re in need of surgery, download our eBook, Your How-To Guide to Choosing an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

The post What to Do if You Think You Have a Concussion appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

A person who suffers a concussion doesn’t always lose consciousness, and there are no sure signs to help diagnose the injury. However, there are symptoms that can be telling of a concussion, such as a headache that gets progressively worse, confusion, fuzzy vision, dizziness, amnesia, sensitivity to light and sound, and difficulty concentrating.

While there’s no way to completely avoid a concussion, there are precautions you can take to reduce the risk.

Wear Protective Gear

Be sure to wear the proper protective gear when participating in a sport or any physical activity. It’s important to you wear a helmet during an activity where you’re at risk of head trauma. It’s also vital to you protect the rest of your body with padding and equipment if the activity involves contact with other players. A concussion doesn’t only occur from trauma to the head; it can happen from a blow to another part of the body as well.

Check Protective Gear for Fit/Replace It

Your protective gear will only do its job if it fits properly. The general rule of thumb is that your gear fits snug against your body so it doesn’t move around easily but not too tightly that it’s uncomfortable. When fitting your protective gear, talk to professionals at the sporting goods store or discuss with your coach to ensure the proper fit.

Just like shoes and clothes, your protective gear can wear out. Over months of constant use and wear and tear, the equipment becomes less effective at protecting your body. It’s crucial to replace your gear every season so it protects you the way it’s designed to. If you notice that your equipment wearing out during the season, you may need to replace it again.

Practice Proper Tackling Methods

During a sport that involves contact, you’ll be matched up with another player and striving to defeat them. If it’s your job to tackle that person, be sure to use the correct form when doing so. Your coaches will teach you how to tackle correctly, so be sure to practice these methods and keep the proper form. Injuries most often occur when you stray away from using proper form.

Practice Good Sportsmanship

Good sportsmanship is necessary to avoid injuries, especially concussions. While being aggressive is part of the game, losing your temper and displaying poor sportsmanship can open the possibility of injuries. Be sure to keep your temper in check and only be as aggressive as necessary.

Concussions can’t be avoided completely, but keep these tips in mind and you can reduce the risk of experiencing this injury.

If you’re dealing with a serious injury and you need orthopaedic surgery, you may be unsure where to turn. Download our eBook Your How-To Guide to Choosing an Orthopaedic Surgeon to learn how to select the right doctor for you.

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Diagnosing a concussion can be difficult because there’s no sure way to know if someone is suffering from this injury. While there are tests that can be performed to make sure that there’s no further damage, such as hemorrhaging or a skull fracture, it can’t be determined if a concussion is present.

For this reason, it’s crucial to pay attention to the symptoms, which will start to occur somewhere during the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury. The most common concussion symptoms involve thinking and remembering, physical pain or dysfunction, emotional issues, and sleep disturbances.

Thinking/Remembering

• Difficulty thinking clearly
• Feeling slowed down
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty remembering new information

Physical

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems
• Dizziness
• Fuzzy or blurry vision
• Feeling tired
• Sensitivity to noise or light

Emotional/Mood

• Irritability
• Sadness
• More emotional
• Nervousness or anxiety

Sleep Disturbances

• Sleeping more than usual
• Sleeping less than usual
• Trouble falling asleep

While patients won’t always experience every one of these symptoms, it’s likely that they’ll have to deal with each symptom category, whether it’s mild or severe. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a physician.

Diagnosis

While physicians can’t always diagnose concussions, it’s necessary to schedule a visit so they can eliminate the possibility of a more serious injury. Your physician will perform several tests to assess multiple variables of the patient’s state.

• Neurological exam: Your doctor will examine your vision, hearing, strength and sensation, balance, coordination, and reflexes to check for concussion symptoms.
• Cognitive testing: He or she may also perform cognitive testing to evaluate your thinking and examine your memory, concentration, and ability to recall information.

Imaging tests: Your doctor may order a brain imaging test to determine the severity of the injury and confirm whether you’re experiencing any dangerous bleeding or swelling in the skull. A CT scan may be ordered, which is a series of X-rays that create a cross-sectional image of your skull and brain. In addition, your physician may also call for an MRI to view bleeding or complications that could occur after receiving a concussion. This test uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain.

Treatment

The most important way to treat a concussion is rest. Your brain has suffered an injury, so allow it to heal by avoiding physical activity and other activities that stimulate the brain. Relax somewhere quiet and don’t watch TV or use the computer for a few days until you’re feeling better.

Understand concussion symptoms will help you determine your course of action if you or someone else suffers this brain injury.

If you’re dealing with a serious injury and you need orthopaedic surgery, you may be unsure where to turn. Download our eBook Your How-To Guide to Choose an Orthopaedic Surgeon to learn how to select the right doctor for you.

The post Most Common Concussion Symptoms appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

It’s important to be educated about concussions so you can determine if you or someone else is dealing with this injury and take the appropriate steps to help them recover. So keep reading to learn about symptoms of a concussion as well as the diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis

It can be difficult for student-athlete health providers and physicians to diagnose a concussion. Most concussions occur without a loss of consciousness, and symptoms typically start to develop during the first 24 to 48 hours after a blow to the head. It’s important not to leave an athlete alone after they suffer a head injury. Look for thefollowing symptoms to determine whether the athlete may have a concussion:

• Headache that gets progressively worse
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Double or fuzzy vision
• Dizziness
• Balance problems
• Nausea
• Slow reaction time
• Amnesia
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Feeling sluggish, foggy, or groggy
• Feeling emotional
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Pupils that are enlarged or different in size

No single test can determine whether an athlete has a concussion, but there are several tests that can be performed to ensure brain activity is normal. These tests include the following:

• Neurological exam: If the athlete displays concussion symptoms, the doctor will perform a neurological examination, which includes checking the athlete’s vision, hearing, strength and sensation, balance, coordination, and reflexes.
• Cognitive testing: Doctors also typically perform cognitive testing to evaluate the athlete’s cognition, memory, concentration, and ability to recall information.
• Imaging tests: While brain imaging tests can’t detect a concussion, the doctor may order them to determine the severity of the injury and the possibility of any dangerous bleeding or swelling in the skull.
  • A CT scan is a series of X-rays that creates cross-sectional images of the skull and brain.
  • An MRI may be conducted to view bleeding or complications that could occur after a concussion. This test uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain.

Treatment

Rest is the only specific treatment for a concussion. Because the brain has suffered trauma, it’s important to minimize brain activity as much as possible. This means eliminating activities that stimulate the brain and could further aggravate the concussion. Refrain from physical activity as well as reading or watching television.

Dealing with a concussion can be frightening, but if you take the time to relax after the injury and avoid activity, you’ll feel better within a few days. Always be sure to wear the appropriate protective gear during sporting events to decrease the risk of a concussion.

To learn more information about staying healthy as an athlete, download our eBookThe Athlete’s Guide to Peak Performance.

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