We’ve all been following the Olympics, cheering on our favourite athletes, unfortunately, even elite athletes are not immune to injuries—especially concussions. At the Olympics, the risk of concussion is especially high in contact sports like wrestling and boxing. For instance, Zain Retherford, a U.S. wrestler, chose to withdraw from the Paris Olympics due to concussion symptoms he experienced during his opening match. Retherford had previously sustained the concussion while training for the Olympics but had recovered in time to compete. Unfortunately, his symptoms came back during a match and he decided to withdraw as a precaution.
In addition, cycling events, like mountain biking and BMX, tend to have a high rate of crashes, which also increases the risk of concussions. At the Paris Olympics, French mountain biker Loana Lecomte suffered a concussion after a crash on the rocky course during the women’s Olympic XC MTB race, forcing her to withdraw. Similarly, Great Britain’s BMX star Kye Whyte experienced a concussion following a crash on the cycle track, leading to his removal as well.
Even in events that generally don’t see concussions, like track and field, the risk still exists. For example, in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase final at the Paris Olympics, Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma tripped over a hurdle on the final lap, causing him to fall hard and hit his head. He was stretchered off with a neck brace, and reports have mentioned he suffered a concussion.
These incidents at the 2024 Paris Olympics underscore the importance of concussion awareness and prevention, not just for Olympic athletes but for all levels of sports. Proper protocols and education are crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes everywhere.
In this post, we will discuss the common signs and symptoms of concussion and the crucial decisions surrounding an athlete’s return to play. Understanding these aspects is vital for protecting athletes and ensuring they can safely continue their sports.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow to the head or body. Concussions can result from falls, sports injuries, car accidents, or any event where there is a significant impact on the head or body.
Common Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
Concussions can present a wide range of symptoms that can appear immediately after the injury or develop hours to days later. It’s important to recognize these signs and symptoms to ensure timely and appropriate care. They can be categorized into four main areas: physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related.
Physical Symptoms:
- Headache: Persistent or severe headaches are one of the most common symptoms.
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Balance Problems: Difficulty maintaining balance or coordination.
- Visual Disturbances: Blurred vision, double vision, or sensitivity to light.
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or lethargic.
Cognitive Symptoms:
- Confusion: Feeling mentally foggy or having trouble thinking clearly.
- Memory Problems: Difficulty remembering events before or after the injury.
- Concentration Issues: Trouble focusing or maintaining attention.
Emotional Symptoms:
- Irritability: Increased sensitivity or emotional outbursts.
- Sadness: Feeling unusually sad or down.
- Anxiety: Increased nervousness or worry.
- Mood Swings: Unpredictable changes in mood.
Sleep-Related Symptoms:
- Sleep Disturbances: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Sleeping More or Less Than Usual: Changes in sleep patterns.
What To Do If you Suspect A Concussion?
During the Paris Olympics, French surfer Johanne Defay had a big fall, resulting in her head hitting the sharp coral reef. Medical personnel took immediate action and removed her from competition and put her through the standard concussion protocol. This immediate action is crucial following a suspected sports-related concussion.
Here are the recommended steps if you suspect an athlete may have a concussion:
- Remove the Athlete from Play: Prevent further injury by taking the athlete out of the game immediately.
- Conduct a Thorough Assessment: Evaluate for signs and symptoms of a concussion.
- Do Not Allow Same-Day Return: The athlete should not return to play on the same day as the injury.
- Follow Up with Healthcare Professionals: The athlete should seek further evaluation and care from a concussion clinic like Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic for a detailed diagnosis and management plan.
By following these guidelines, we can ensure that athletes are given the safest path to recovery and a well-considered return to play.
Removing an athlete with a suspected concussion is crucial for several reasons:
1. Preventing Further Injury
- Additional Impact Risks: Continuing to play after a concussion increases the risk of receiving another blow to the head or body, which can exacerbate the injury or lead to more severe brain damage.
2. Allowing for Proper Evaluation
- Accurate Diagnosis: Immediate removal ensures the athlete can be thoroughly assessed by a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.
3. Facilitating Safe Recovery
- Rest is Crucial: The brain needs rest to heal properly after a concussion. Continued physical and cognitive exertion can impede recovery and prolong symptoms.
4. Compliance with Protocols
- Adherence to Guidelines: Most sports organizations and leagues have specific concussion protocols that require immediate removal from play for suspected concussions.
6. Promoting Awareness
- Encouraging Safe Practices: Removing an athlete highlights the seriousness of concussions and promotes a culture of safety and responsibility within sports.
In summary, removing an athlete with a suspected concussion is essential for preventing further injury, allowing for proper evaluation and recovery, ensuring long-term health, and adhering to established safety protocols. It is a critical step in protecting the athlete’s well-being and ensuring a safe return to play.
When Can Athletes Return to Sport Following a Concussion?
Returning to sport after a concussion requires a careful, step-by-step approach to ensure the athlete’s safety and full recovery. An athlete can only resume play once they have been symptom-free at rest and during exertion, following a gradual return-to-play protocol. This process typically involves a series of stages that start with light activities and progressively increase in intensity. Each stage must last at least 24 hours, with progression to the next stage only occurring if no symptoms reappear. Continuous monitoring and assessment by healthcare professionals are essential throughout this process. At Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, we follow the guidelines from Complete Concussions. Read more about our protocol here.
At Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports clinic we are dedicated to serving the Oakville and Burlington communities by providing education, assessment, and management for local athletes dealing with concussions. Our commitment is to ensure the health and safety of every athlete, offering comprehensive support to help them recover and return to their sports with confidence. If you or someone you know is suffering from a concussion contact us today! Alternatively, subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates in physiotherapy, injury prevention strategies, and athlete recovery tips.
Sheddon Patient Feedback:
“My sister and I both had concussions (at different times) and we were both lucky enough to have Kurt as our physiotherapist. He helped us out immensely and was a huge part of both of our recoveries. He is very insightful and friendly.”
“Alicia was so helpful, patient and understanding when completing a concussion assessment for my young son. She explained everything so thoroughly for us to understand and made sure to follow up to ensure he was healing well. She went above and beyond in making sure my son was comfortable and cared for. Alicia is highly recommended !”
“From in-take staff, to RMTs Jim & Emily, to Physiotherapists / Concussion specialists Beth & Erin, to Management, and all of the wonderful supporting staff – knowledgeable, professional, fun, informative, and caring! No body likes being injured or in pain, but as a client at Sheddon you look forward to rehab! I genuinely enjoy the process of getting back to health and feeling myself again. All thanks to the great folks at Sheddon! They have flexible hours and technology to assist in recovery processes that other clinics may not provide. Thanks for your continued support!”
