Sports-Related Concussions Grand View Hospital Hosting Program for Parents
(February 25, 2011) Sellersville, PA – A concussion is a brain injury and all should be taken seriously to avoid the risk of permanent neurological damage. Concussions are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way the brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.
“Parents can help prevent complications from developing by being informed about concussions before an injury happens,” recommends emergency department physician, Jane Ferry, MD, who is also Grand View Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer. “It’s especially important to know and follow the evaluation process for determining when it’s safe to return to play.”
To help parents protect their student athletes, Dr. Ferry will be speaking about concussions and other common sports-related injuries and illnesses at a free program hosted by Grand View Hospital at BucksMont Indoor Sports Center in Hatfield on Wednesday, March 9, from 6-8 pm.
Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after an injury or can take days or weeks to appear. Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Some of the signs that may appear include: confusion, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, unsteadiness, fatigue, and feeling |
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Dr. Ferry |
“in a fog.” If you notice any of these symptoms or if an athlete reports them, seek medical attention right away. After any significant head injury, the athlete should not be left alone and for the first 24 hours should be awakened every two to three hours during sleep to be checked.
“Advocate for your child and do not allow him or her to play with symptoms of a concussion,” Dr. Ferry said. She cautioned, “Playing with a concussion that is not properly healed presents long-term health risks, especially if the player sustains another blow to the head.”
Souderton Area School District has a student athlete concussion protocol, which is available on the district website. “We want all parents to be aware of school policy on concussions,” Athletic Director, Tom Quintois said, who will be speaking more on the topic at Grand View’s program. He said any athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion must be removed from play. Souderton’s protocol follows recommendations of proposed legislation that states the athlete may not return until cleared by a licensed healthcare provider trained in evaluation and management of concussions. “The goal of Souderton’s protocol is safety,” Quintois said.
“All concussions should be evaluated on a continuing basis, not just immediately following the event,” Dr. Ferry urged. Those who have sustained a head injury are at two to four times greater risk of recurrence.
Learn more about signs, symptoms, treatment, and prevention by attending Grand View’s program on concussions and other common sports-related injuries and illnesses.
About Grand View Hospital
Grand View Hospital, Bucks County’s first hospital, has provided residents of Bucks and Montgomery Counties with comprehensive health care services since 1913. Grand View offers a range of care – particularly emphasizing the areas of cancer treatment, women's and children's health, surgery, orthopaedics, and heart and vascular care. For more information about Grand View and its services, visit www.gvh.org.
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