A concussion is a complex process affecting the brain and is induced by traumatic biochemical forces. It can be caused by a direct blow, bump or jolt to the head, face or neck, or elsewhere on the body which transmits force to the head. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of a concussion.
"It's more than just the collision," says Hollie Kozak, M.Ed., AT, Vice President, Summa Health Orthopedic Institute. "It's the fact that the head is jarred or twisted and the brain gets bounced around."
All concussions are serious regardless of the cause whether as a result of community sports, interscholastic sports or physical education classes at school. Although 80% to 90% of concussions resolve in 7 to 10 days, the symptoms may last far longer. And in the case of children or adolescents, recovery time can be longer than for adults. If there is a history of concussion there is a greater risk for having another head injury, and risk for suffering a second concussion 10 days after the initial injury.
“Concussions are unique injuries because signs and symptoms can vary greatly for different people,” says Scott Barbone, Manager of Summa Health Sports Medicine. “One person’s symptoms may be mild, while another may be severe – this doesn’t make one injury less or more significant than the other. For these reasons, it’s extremely important to include your sports medicine physician in the care of any suspected closed head injury as soon as possible to ensure a full and safe recovery.”
During the past 15 years, studies and research into concussions have greatly increased, according to Ben Burkam, M.D., a Summa sports medicine specialist. And, he says, the medical community has only scratched the surface.
"There is still a lot about concussions that we don't know," Dr. Burkam points out. "Research going on today will change the way we take care of concussions during the next 10 to 15 years." Summa Center for Sports Health is taking a multi-prong approach with education and wants to empower parents, coaches, teachers, and the community to be more aware of concussions and what they can do to keep student-athletes safe. Our multi-prong approach includes:
Summa’s sports medicine physicians offer expert sports concussion care with same-day/next-day appointments for anyone 8 years and older. To schedule an appointment, call 330.835.5533.
