Scott: Concussions Flashcards
Benefits of exercise and sports in kids?
Weight control Lower blood pressure Improved HDL Reduced risk of diabetes Enhanced self-esteem Promotes life-long physical activity Fun, recreation Enjoy the challenge of competition Team work, motivation, concentration
What are some risk factors for pediatric sports injuries?
adolescent growth spurts - decreased physeal strength age biologic maturity body size coaching inexperience, improper training fitness gender previous injury psychology life stressors!
What is important to keep in mind about “sprains” in adolescents?
often these sprains can extend to the growth plate in elementary and middle school children!
**consider an X-ray
Physeal fractures are more common than sprains in these athletes
skeletally immature athletes
**if the fracture extends to the growth plate, this is a concern because it can affect growth long-term
The clinical symptoms of a concussion largely reflect a (blank) disturbance rather than (blank) injury
functional; structural
What happens to cerebral blood flow when you sustain a concussion? What about metabolism?
decreased cerebral blow flow, decreased metabolism
If any one of the following symptoms or problems is present, a head injury should be suspected and appropriate management instituted…
Cognitive Features Unaware of game period, opposition, score of game Confusion Amnesia LOC
Headache or pressure in head
Balance problems or dizziness
Nausea
Feeling “dinged”, “foggy”, “stunned”, “dazed”- foggy is the most commonly reported symptom
Visual problems (stars, flashing lights, double)
Hearing problems (ringing in ears)
Irritability or emotional changes
Subjective feelings of slowness or fatigue in the setting of an impact may also indicate that a concussion has occurred or has not resolved
LOC or impaired conscious state
Poor coordination or balance
Concussive convulsion/impact seizure
Gait unsteadiness or loss of balance
Slow to answer questions or follow directions
Easily distracted, poor concentration
Inappropriate emotions Vomiting Vacant stare/glassy eyed Slurred speech Personality changes Inappropriate playing behavior Significantly decreased playing ability
T/F: During sideline evaluation, appropriate disposition in a timely manner is very important!
True
Can kids with sports injuries return to sports on the same day they have had a concussion?
NO!
**When in doubt, sit them out!
Intensive, year-round single sport training at exclusion of other sports
sport specialization
**Early specialization may increase overuse injuries and sport burnout
Data suggest that athletes who had early specialized training withdrew from their sport either due to (blank) or (blank) from the sport
injury; burnout
In children there appears to be more of a psychological component related to burnout and attrition with (blank) activities
adult-supervised
Do you always lose consciousness in a concussion?
no
This is the most commonly reported symptom of a concussion
feeling “foggy”
