Concussion Management in Sports: What Every Athlete Should Know

12 June 2025

When it comes to sports, injuries are part of the game. But there’s one injury that’s often misunderstood or overlooked: concussions. Whether you’re an elite athlete or just someone who enjoys a weekend game of soccer, understanding concussions is crucial for your health and safety. So, let’s dive into what every athlete should know about concussion management in sports.

What is a Concussion?

First off, let’s get this straight: a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). It happens when a sudden blow to the head or body causes the brain to jolt or twist inside the skull. Now, your brain is a pretty sensitive organ, and when it gets rattled like that, it can lead to a range of symptoms that affect how you think, feel, and move.

The thing with concussions is that they’re not always easy to spot. You don’t need to be knocked out cold to have one. In fact, most concussions happen without any loss of consciousness. That’s why they’re sometimes tricky to identify.

Common Causes of Concussions in Sports

Concussions can happen in just about any sport, but they’re more common in contact sports like football, rugby, hockey, and basketball. These sports involve frequent collisions, falls, or direct impacts, which can increase the risk of head injuries.

Here are a few common ways athletes get concussions:

- Direct hits to the head: Think of getting tackled in football or taking a ball to the face in soccer.
- Whiplash: Sudden movements, like when your head snaps back from a hard fall, can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull.
- Falling: Slips and trips can lead to head injuries, especially in sports like cycling or skateboarding.

The point here is, concussions aren’t just a “football problem.” They can happen in any sport, at any level of play.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

Here’s where things get tricky: not all concussions look the same. You might experience symptoms right away, or they could show up hours or even days after the injury. That said, there are some common signs and symptoms to look out for.

Physical Symptoms:

- Headaches (probably the most common one)
- Dizziness or feeling off-balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light/noise

Cognitive Symptoms:

- Confusion or feeling “foggy”
- Trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Feeling slowed down, like you’re in a mental haze

Emotional Symptoms:

- Feeling irritable, anxious, or unusually emotional
- Mood swings

Sleep-related Symptoms:

- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

If you notice any of these symptoms after a hit or fall, it’s time to take it seriously.

Immediate Steps After a Suspected Concussion

So, let’s say you (or a teammate) took a hit and now you’re feeling a bit off. What should you do next?

1. Stop playing immediately. Don’t "tough it out" or wait to see if it gets better. Continuing to play with a concussion can make things worse, and in some cases, lead to more severe issues like second-impact syndrome (where a second concussion happens before the first one heals — not good!).

2. Tell someone. Whether it’s a coach, trainer, or teammate, let someone know what happened. This isn’t the time to play hero and keep quiet.

3. Get evaluated by a medical professional. Ideally, a healthcare professional who specializes in sports medicine or brain injuries should check you out. They’ll assess your symptoms and determine if you need further treatment or testing, like a CT scan.

4. Rest. And I don’t just mean physically. You’ll need to take a break from both physical and mental activities. That means no playing sports, but also no studying, working, or scrolling through Instagram for hours. Your brain needs time to heal.

The Recovery Process

Recovering from a concussion isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Some people might feel better in a week, while others could take months. The key here is to listen to your body and follow your doctor’s advice.

Step 1: Physical Rest

This one’s a no-brainer (pun intended). You’ll need to avoid physical exertion until your symptoms subside. That means no running, no lifting, and definitely no playing in games. Even light activities like walking might need to be limited at first.

Step 2: Mental Rest

Here’s the part people often forget about. Your brain needs rest too, so you’ll need to cut back on activities that require thinking and concentration. That could mean taking time off school or work, avoiding video games, and limiting screen time. Trust me, your brain will thank you.

Step 3: Gradual Return to Activity

Once your symptoms have cleared up and your doctor gives you the green light, you can slowly start returning to physical activities. But “slowly” is the key word here. You’ll want to ease back into things, starting with light exercise like walking or stationary biking. If you feel good, you can gradually increase the intensity over time.

But here’s the kicker: if your symptoms come back at any point, stop immediately and consult your doctor. Rushing the process can lead to setbacks and even long-term health problems.

The Importance of Baseline Testing

Ever heard of baseline testing? It’s something that’s becoming more common in sports, especially at the high school and collegiate levels. Baseline tests measure your brain function when you’re healthy, giving doctors a comparison point if you get a concussion later on.

These tests typically assess things like memory, reaction time, and balance. The idea is that if you do get a concussion, your doctor can compare your post-injury performance to your baseline to help determine the severity of the injury and guide your recovery.

If you’re an athlete, especially in a high-risk sport, it’s worth asking your coach or athletic trainer if baseline testing is available for you.

Long-Term Effects of Concussions

Now, let’s talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough: the long-term effects of concussions.

Most people recover from a concussion within a few weeks, but for some, the effects can linger. This is called post-concussion syndrome, and it can include symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating that last for months or even years.

And then there’s the scary stuff: repeated concussions can lead to more serious issues down the road, like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a degenerative brain disease that’s been found in athletes who’ve had multiple head injuries. It can cause memory loss, confusion, depression, and even personality changes later in life.

That’s why it’s so important to manage concussions properly and not rush back into play. One concussion might not seem like a big deal, but repeated injuries can have lasting consequences.

Myths About Concussions

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about concussions, so let’s clear up some common myths.

Myth 1: “You have to be knocked out to have a concussion.”

False! Most concussions happen without any loss of consciousness. Just because you didn’t pass out doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.

Myth 2: “You’ll be fine in a few days.”

Not always. While some people recover quickly, others take weeks or even months to fully heal. Rushing back into activity too soon can prolong recovery or make things worse.

Myth 3: “It’s just a mild injury.”

A concussion is a brain injury, plain and simple. Even if your symptoms seem mild, it’s important to take them seriously.

Preventing Concussions

You can’t completely eliminate the risk of concussions in sports, but there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of getting one.

- Wear the right gear: Helmets, mouthguards, and other protective equipment can help minimize head injuries. Just make sure your gear fits properly and is in good condition.

- Practice good technique: Whether it’s tackling in football or heading the ball in soccer, proper technique can help reduce the risk of head injuries.

- Be aware of your surroundings: Keep your head up and stay aware of other players, especially in contact sports.

- Follow the rules: Sports have rules for a reason, many of which are designed to keep players safe. Don’t take unnecessary risks.

Conclusion

Concussions are serious business, but with the right knowledge and approach, they can be managed effectively. If you’re an athlete, the most important thing you can do is listen to your body and take head injuries seriously. Don’t let the pressure to perform push you to ignore symptoms or rush back onto the field too soon. Your long-term health is worth more than any game.