Concussions are one of the most common injuries among student athletes, yet many parents are still unaware of the misconceptions surrounding their severity, symptoms, and treatment. It is estimated that 70% of emergency department visits for sports- and recreation-related Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and concussions are among children ages 17 and under. Understanding the truth about concussions is essential for proper recognition, management, and recovery for your student athlete. Below, we debunk some of the most common myths surrounding concussions and provide crucial information for parents of high school and college athletes.
7 Common Concussion Myths You Shouldn’t Believe
Myth #1: You Don’t Have a Concussion Unless You’ve Lost Consciousness
Fact: Losing consciousness is not a requirement for a concussion. In fact, the majority of concussions occur without a loss of consciousness. A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that may or may not be caused by a blow, jolt, or bump to the head that disrupts normal brain function. Symptoms may develop immediately or gradually over the course of hours or days.
Myth #2: You Can’t Have a Concussion if You Didn’t Get Hit in the Head
Fact: A direct impact to the head is not the only cause of a concussion. A sudden forceful movement—such as a whiplash effect from a fall or tackle—can cause the brain to shake inside the skull, leading to a concussion. This means athletes who participate in sports or activities with sudden movements are still at risk.
Myth #3: If You Feel Fine, You Don’t Have a Concussion
Fact: Symptoms of a concussion do not always appear right away. Some athletes may feel fine immediately after an impact but develop symptoms hours or even days later. Common signs to watch for include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, sensitivity to light or noise, and difficulty concentrating.
Myth #4: You Should Stay in a Dark Room Until You Recover
Fact: While rest is important in the initial stages of recovery, prolonged isolation in a dark room is not always beneficial. Controlled cognitive and physical activity while under medical supervision can help facilitate recovery. Athletes should follow a structured return-to-play protocol to avoid prolonged inactivity, which can lead to other issues like depression and delayed recovery.
Myth #5: Doing Nothing is the Best Way to Heal a Concussion
Fact: While rest is necessary in the early stages, complete inactivity can slow recovery. Guided therapy, including light physical activity, cognitive exercises, and structured rehabilitation, is often more effective. A concussion specialist can help determine the right balance between rest and activity for optimal healing.
Myth #6: Concussions Only Occur in High-Impact Sports Like Football
Fact: While contact sports like football and hockey do have higher concussion risks, they are not the only sports where concussions occur. Athletes in soccer, lacrosse, basketball, cheerleading, gymnastics, and even track and field can sustain concussions through falls, collisions, or rapid head movements. Every athlete should be aware of the risks, regardless of their sport. Bicycling and playground activities are also associated with high numbers of emergency department visits for TBIs, and ATVs and motocross sports can be particularly dangerous.
Myth #7: A Single Concussion is Nothing to Worry About
Fact: Even one concussion can have lasting effects if not properly managed. Suffering a single concussion can cause serious brain damage – and yes, even death. Repeated concussions, especially in a short period, increase the risk of long-term cognitive impairment and serious conditions like second-impact syndrome. Proper evaluation and treatment are critical after any head injury.
Recognizing the Signs: How to Tell if Your Student Athlete Has a Concussion
Student athletes, coaches, and parents should be aware of common concussion symptoms, including:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Confusion or feeling “foggy”
- Mood changes, such as irritability or sadness
- Sleep disturbances
If a concussion is suspected, the athlete should stop playing immediately and seek a medical evaluation before returning to physical activity.
Common Causes of Concussions in Student Athletes
Concussions can occur in any sport, but they are most common in contact sports and activities that involve high-speed collisions, including:
- Football
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Wrestling
- Softball
- Cheerleading (from falls and stunts)
- Gymnastics
- Cycling
Comprehensive Concussion Treatment in Chandler, AZ
Recovering from a concussion requires more than just rest. At Arizona Chiropractic Neurology Center, we offer a comprehensive concussion treatment program designed to promote brain healing and restore optimal function. Our evidence-based approach includes:
- Cognitive Rehabilitation: Enhances memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
- Therapeutic Activities: Addresses balance, coordination, and strength deficits caused by the concussion.
- Vestibular Therapy: Helps improve dizziness, vertigo, and spatial orientation issues.
- Neuroenergetics (Low-Level Laser Therapy): Stimulates cellular healing and reduces inflammation in the brain.
- Brain Oxygenation (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy): Boosts oxygen levels in the brain to support recovery.
- Metabolic Healing: Uses targeted nutrition and supplements to aid brain function and reduce inflammation.
- Network Resetting (Neurofeedback and Neurorehab): Helps restore brainwave patterns for improved neurological function.
Our individualized treatment plans help student athletes recover safely and effectively, reducing the risk of long-term complications and ensuring a smooth return to both academics and sports.
Protecting Your Brain Health for the Future
Understanding concussions and their proper management is crucial for student athletes. By recognizing the signs early, seeking appropriate treatment, and following a structured recovery plan, athletes can protect their long-term brain health.
If you or someone you know has suffered a concussion, Arizona Chiropractic Neurology Center in Chandler, AZ is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our cutting-edge concussion treatment program and how we can support your recovery.
