WASHINGTON — New research suggests student athletes who are too active, not just on the field, but every filed of life may delay their recovery. However female athletes may take more time to recover than males. It is an important message for parents and coaches of sports that healing from this common sports injury is more complicated.

Kevin Guskiewicz, an athletic trainer advises” No two concussions are the same, we need to be cautious with what we’re allowing someone to do, and at what point in their recovery they’re allowed to do it.”

Many athletes never lose consciousness, the most have symptom. Brain scans can’t diagnose a concussion and other symptoms not always apparent
Immediately and sometimes players can hide or diminish them: “Nope, no headaches, coach; put me back in.”

If one do so it is a serious risk. A second concussion before recovering from the first can cause brain swelling that can activate enduring damage and even death.

It is good news that college and professional athletes are conscious about their health. Guskiewicz says “reports of concussions have risen 10 percent in the last three years — not that more athletes are being injured but that more who properly seeks care.”

The worry is not just another hit. An injured brain undergoes metabolic changes that affect its energy levels, meaning physical and mental exertion might add more strain. Guskiewicz explains “to keep the brain stimulated but not enough to push it into overdrive.”

Another Pittsburgh study of 234 soccer players found that two weeks after their concussion, female players scored worse on some brain-function tests than similarly injured males. Dr. Alexis Chiang Colvin found size differences didn’t explain the difference. She couldn’t find an alternate explanation, and while the gender question is explored, urges coaches and athletes to be aware that female players may need a little extra time to recover.

Parents, players and coaches know the symptoms, such as being dazed, amnesia, moving slowly or clumsily, to later symptoms such as dizziness, sleep problems, irritability and attention problems. Athletes don’t return to play until cleared by a health professional.

Guskiewicz says “appropriate health officials should be on site to assess concussion whether it’s Pop Warner football or soccer or high school teams.”

It is a big challenge to teach young players the seriousness, says Ohio State injury specialist Dawn Comstock: “It’s difficult for them to realize this one game Friday night is not as important as my cognitive ability the rest of my life.”

This article is the property of http://www.HealthHeap.com
Copying and publishing any article from our site is strictly NOT allowed