Proper rest and healing time important for athletes with head injuries

WILKES-BARRE – Athletes who suffer head injuries are more likely to get re-injured and experience long-term problems if they return to competition too soon, a Geisinger sports medicine expert said.

If an athlete experiences concussion-like symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, fogginess, or visual problems that last for more than several minutes, they should seek medical treatment, said David Ross, MD, Director of Geisinger’s Sports Medicine Fellowship.

Dr. Ross discussed head injuries on this week’s Toyota High School Sports Show on FOX 56 WOLF-TV.

Medical research has shown that athletes who suffer concussions are likely to experience additional concussions and take longer time to heal from subsequent concussions. While every athlete is different, it could take months for someone to fully recover from a concussion.

“We see head injuries not just in contact team sports such as hockey and football, but in bicycling and other recreation sports,” Dr. Ross said. “It’s important to take the threat of head injuries seriously. Athletes should wear equipment that fits well, and if they are hurt, make sure they allow enough time for the head and brain to recuperate.”

An estimated 1.6 million to 3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions occur each year. Concussion-related problems limited the careers of such notable athletes as football quarterbacks Steve Young and Troy Aikman and hockey player Eric Lindros.

For more information about treating sports head injuries, visit http://www.geisingersportsmed.com/head.html
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