In our Performance Lab series, we share practical information and advice to help students and families better understand athlete health, safety, wellness, and performance. This month, Noël Riley, ATC, Beaver’s athletic trainer, takes a closer look at concussions, why they need to be taken seriously, and the importance of speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.
Concussions are one of the most talked-about injuries in sports today. From professional athletes to the NFL, news about brain injuries is everywhere. We hear about players missing games, concussion protocols, and the long-term effects of repeated head injuries. But how much do we actually know about concussions?
Most people know that concussions involve the brain, that they’re serious, and that they can mean time away from sports. But understanding these injuries involves more than resting and missing a few games.
Repeated trauma to the brain can have lasting effects. Many have heard about professional athletes and boxers who developed chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease associated with repeated head impacts. Another serious concern, particularly for younger athletes, is second impact syndrome.
Second impact syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal condition that can occur when an athlete experiences another head injury before recovering from an initial concussion. For example, an athlete might take a hard hit during a game, experience symptoms, and return to play, putting them at risk of another injury. Or an athlete might sustain a concussion during Monday’s practice and return to competition on Tuesday before fully recovering. A second injury during this vulnerable period can have devastating consequences.
That’s why recognizing symptoms and speaking up matters. Athletes who are hit or fall and don’t feel right should immediately tell a coach, athletic trainer, or other trusted adult. The same goes for teammates who notice someone complaining of a headache, dizziness, or other symptoms after contact. Any athlete with a suspected concussion should be removed from play and evaluated by a health care provider before returning to sports.
The takeaway is simple: Look out for yourself, and look out for your teammates. No practice or game is worth risking your health. The good news? Most athletes recover well from concussions with proper care and a gradual return to activity. Knowing the signs, speaking up, and giving the brain time to heal can help athletes get back to doing what they love safely.