WINTER2015
25
M
uch of the publicity surrounding
soccer and concussions has to
do with liability, rather than prevention and
care. No matter who is ultimately responsible,
most of us agree–whether we are players,
parents, coaches, facility operators or
members of governing bodies–that we would
rather they not happen in the first place.
Awareness is key to maintaining safety
and preventing accidents. However, since
injuries can't always be prevented, industry
professionals need to know how to handle
them.
What can facility operators and league
administrators do to educate themselves, as
well as their employees and customers, on the
issues surrounding traumatic brain injuries and
ways to handle players who may have suffered
a concussion? Facilities, after all, want to
maintain a positive public image, as well as
protect themselves from liability.
HERE ARE FIVE ACTION ITEMS.
1. Make sure staff understands
concussion symptoms.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the signs and
symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and
may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms
can last for days, weeks or even longer.
Common symptoms after a concussive
traumatic brain injury are headache, loss
of memory (amnesia) and confusion. The
amnesia, which may or may not follow a
loss of consciousness, usually involves the
loss of memory of the event that caused the
concussion.
Other signs and symptoms
of a concussion may include:
• Dizziness or "seeing stars"
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Delayed response to questions
• Appearing dazed
• Fatigue
Delayed symptoms, like the
following, are also common:
• Irritability and other personality changes
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Sleep disturbances
• Psychological adjustment problems
and depression
• Disorders of taste and smell
(continued on next page)
UNDERSTANDING
CONCUSSIONS
by Roy Kessel, Sports Brain and Sylvie Green, USIndoor
