The Cincinnati Bengals, Dr. Marc Galloway, and Mercy Health have teamed up to help protect young athletes. As a member of USA Football Heads Up Advisory Board, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis knows the importance of recognizing the signs of a concussion. That’s why he asked the Head Team Physician for the Cincinnati Bengals, Marc Galloway, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and specialist with Mercy Health, to share his expertise on prevention, signs of and treatment of concussions.
There are more than 300,000 sports-related concussions each year in the United States. A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head.
The most important thing players, coaches and parents can do is recognize the signs of a concussion.
Concussion symptoms can include the following:
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Decreased coordination or balance
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Slurred Speech
- Vomiting
The most important step in a concussion is removing the player from the game immediately and not allowing them to return that day.
How can you prevent a concussion?
The real answer is that you can’t always avoid impact when you are playing a contact sport. Helmets and mouth guards do not prevent concussions. The only way to help avoid a concussion is to strengthen the neck muscles. Experts believe that is why more girls than boys end up with concussions, as their necks are typically weaker. Proper recovery is the only thing you can do to keep players safe.
Recovery
Treating a concussion properly is the best thing you can do. That means REST! Cognitive rest and physical rest are imperative.
"You must give the brain a chance to heal," said Dr. Galloway.
Cognitive rest means: time off from school or work; no homework or reading; no visually stimulating activities, such as computers, video games, texting or use of cell phones; limited or no television; no trips, social visits in or out of the home and no driving.
Physical rest means: no sports; no weight or cardiovascular training; no PE classes and no chores or activities that result in perspiration/exertion.
You must continue to monitor to ensure the symptoms are resolving. This is a step by step process and gradually adds in day-to-day activities. Recovery time varies based on the severity of the concussion. Parents and physicians must be very careful if a teenager or younger child gets a concussion and goes back too soon, as it can cause long term damage.
» Click here for more information on concussions
To find an orthopaedic specialist in your neighborhood, visit e-mercy.com. To make an appointment with Dr. Galloway, please call (513) 347-9999.
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