Preventing and Managing Concussions This Fall

As football season kicks into high gear, head injuries and concussions are once again at the forefront. Whether someone's a professional athlete, enjoys playing recreational sports, or just likes staying active, knowing how to recognize and prevent concussions can make all the difference in avoiding long-term complications. Dr. Jason Krystofiak, who serves as Section Chief of Sports Medicine at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and Medical Director of Sports Medicine for RWJBarnabas Health, focuses not only on treating head injuries but also works to promote best practices for prevention and safety. He shares tips to reduce the risk of concussions and keep athletes safe this season and beyond.

Q: Can concussions be prevented?

A: "While it's impossible to completely prevent concussions, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk. Using the right equipment and practicing safe techniques are key. For example, helmets are critical in contact sports, but they aren't enough to fully protect against concussions on their own. Recent equipment innovations like Guardian Caps -padded covers that go over helmets - are gaining traction in professional sports leagues like the NFL, especially as their data shows a decreased risk of concussion for those wearing them. These caps are designed to absorb additional impact and reduce the force transferred to the head, offering an extra layer of protection.

Remember, concussions don't just happen to professional athletes. Anyone can sustain a concussion from falls, car accidents, or even by slipping on ice during the winter season. Regardless of how it's obtained, recognizing prevention strategies are the first step to minimizing risk."

Q: What are the symptoms of a concussion?

A: "Concussions can manifest in a variety of ways. Symptoms often include persistent headaches, nausea, difficulty focusing, and sensitivity to noise. Many people also experience mood changes, such as irritability or feelings of depression.

If gone untreated, concussions can have serious implications. An untreated concussion may lead to issues with cognitive skills and emotional regulations. Another major risk of an untreated concussion is Second-Impact Syndrome, which occurs when a second concussion happens before the first one has fully healed. This can put a patient risk for permanent brain damage and in extreme cases, even death."

Q: What should someone do if a concussion is suspected?

A: "Immediately stop any physical activity and seek medical attention. For average cases, most people will recover in less than two weeks. The recovery process involves rest, symptom monitoring, and a gradual return to normal activities/sport.

For athletes, particularly those in contact sports like football players, the recovery process may take longer and requires more careful monitoring. Athletes should be mindful not to return to the field too soon to avoid potential reinjury."

Q: How do concussions impact mental health?

A: "Besides the physical symptoms, concussions can have serious mental health consequences. People with concussions have reported experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, and PTSD - especially as many fear reinjury. To further exacerbate the issue, athletes who have experienced concussions may feel a loss of identity as they are unable to participate in their sport. In turn, it is vital that a recovery plan address both the physical and mental aspects of healing."