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Ochsner Physicians Offer Signs of Concussion for Athletes

Ochsner Physicians Offer Signs of Concussion for Athletes

BATON ROUGE – As high school sports kick off with the new school year, Ochsner Baton Rouge sports medicine experts remind players, parents and coaches that concussions can be difficult to diagnose.

Primary care sports medicine physician Dr. Sean Bradley points out there are no lab tests or imaging methods that can determine if a concussion has occurred.

“A diagnosis is generally based off of symptoms at the time of the injury, a physical exam on the sideline and how the injury took place,” Dr. Bradley says. “And no two concussions are ever the same. Even if an athlete suffers another concussion, he or she can have totally different symptoms that require a completely different treatment model from the previous injury.”

Concussions are caused by a blow or jolt to the head, and the resulting injury can affect brain function. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 173,000 children and teens are treated in hospital emergency rooms across the country each year for concussions and other traumatic brain injuries.

Dr. Bradley says that while common symptoms are more familiar – headache, neck pain, nausea and vomiting – other symptoms can result as well, including:

  • Mood changes like increased irritability, sadness or anxiety
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Balance problems

These additional symptoms might be mild or intermittent, Dr. Bradley says, which can further complicate the diagnosis of concussions. Players who are suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from play and activity, and get evaluated by a qualified medical professional.

“Not all concussions have to go to the emergency room, but things like worsening headache, changes in mood, behavior or mental status, as well as progressing focal neurological deficits, are red flags that an athlete needs to be seen in the emergency room immediately,” Dr. Bradley says.

Tylenol is preferred immediately after a concussion, and anti-inflammatories and alcohol should be avoided. While medical advice long held that sleep should be avoided immediately after a concussion, Dr. Bradley says that is no longer the case. Those who suffer concussions can sleep that night.

Dr. Bradley says several recent rule changes in football, especially with kickoffs, “blindside” blocks and penalties for dangerous hits, have helped reduced concussions in the sport. He also stressed the importance of proper equipment size and use. “But remember, helmets cannot prevent concussion,” he said.

“It’s really crucial that football players, especially, understand how to protect themselves and that their coaches teach the right techniques that help prevent injuries,” Dr. Bradley said.

To schedule an appointment with any Ochsner Baton Rouge physician, call (225) 761-5200, or visit Ochsner.org/doctors to schedule online. Online appointments are also available through the MyOchsner patient portal.

About Ochsner Baton Rouge

Greater Baton Rouge is home to Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge, a full-service, 150-bed hospital and 13 Health Centers across Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston and Tangipahoa Parishes – including Ochsner Cancer Center – Baton Rouge. Over 2,300 employees serve patients in the Greater Baton Rouge area, including more than 250 physicians and Advanced Practice Providers whose collective dedication to patient care is recognized for quality excellence by Becker’s Hospital Review, Healthgrades, Truven Health Analytics and Leapfrog. Ochsner Baton Rouge is part of Ochsner Health, Louisiana’s largest non-profit healthcare delivery system committed to inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities by preventing diseases, providing patient-centered care that is accessible, affordable, convenient and effective, and building partnerships with innovative organizations that share our vision. In 2021, Ochsner Health treated more than 1 million people from every state and 75 countries, providing the latest medical breakthroughs and therapies, including digital medicine for chronic conditions and telehealth specialty services. Ochsner's team of more than 36,000 employees and 4,600 providers in Louisiana and the Gulf South are working to reinvent the future of health and wellness in the region and beyond through its cutting-edge Connected Health digital medicine program. To learn more about Ochsner Baton Rouge, please visit our website and follow us on Facebook.