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Sterling Ridge Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
6767 Lake Woodlands Drive, Suite F, The Woodlands, TX 77382
20639 Kuykendahl Road, Suite 200, Spring, TX 77379
The Woodlands & Spring, TX .
Ph: 281-364-1122 832-698-011
stacy@srosm.com






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Our son suffered a concussion playing high school football last weekend. He's been told he can't play for the next week. We are supposed to report anything unusual. What should we expect to see in this next week to 10 days?

Brain injuries are one of the most common sports injuries, especially among football players. Every year 300,000 brain injuries occur in high school athletes alone.

Concussions make up the bulk of these injuries. A concussion is a mild traumatic injury to the brain. It can be caused by acceleration (speeding up) or deceleration (slowing down) forces. This is more likely during a car accident or bad fall. In sports, concussions occur more often by a direct blow or hit by another player.

When to return a player to the field is a difficult decision. Waiting a week to 10 days after a concussion is very good advice. Most players do recover fully during this time. However, there is a possibility of more long-term problems developing.

Postconcussive syndrome can occur if a player returns to the game too soon after the injury. An undiagnosed fractured skull or hematoma (internal bleeding) can cause further brain injury. Watch for any of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Severe or persistent headaches
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness or excessive sleepiness
  • Seizure activity

    Athletes should not be allowed to return to play (practice or games) unless fully recovered. Any lingering symptoms can be a signal of hidden problems. A second injury could result in even more serious complications.

    A wise athlete will follow the coach or doctor's advice about when it's safe to play again. Experts suggest, When in doubt, keep them out.


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