Traumatic brain injuries (concussions) have the potential to alter a person’s life in profound ways. We often think about automobile accidents, industrial accidents, or even serious medical conditions that may cause injury to our brains but how seriously do we think about sports activities.
Many names from hockey come to mind Claude Giroux, Chris Pronger, Eric Lindros, Pat LaFontaine, and the ongoing saga of Sidney Crosby. But is hockey the only sport that may be putting our young and healthy athletes at risk? Is sport really the problem or is it a lack of understanding about how vulnerable our brain is to traumatic impact.
Any sport or activity such as, football, soccer, bicycles, martial arts, baseball, basketball, boxing, MMA, skiing, skateboarding, rollerblading, or any other activity that may put our head at risk of physical impact must be carefully evaluated. Not only do we have to look more closely at the activities we are involved in but we must look at all participants. The majority of attention has focused on male athletes but that is not the whole story by any means.“documentary examines female athletes and concussions”
The Brain Injury Association of Canada tells us that traumatic brain injuries (concussions) can have effect our sleep, anxiety, depression, and personality change. Many times the person is not aware of their personality changes but their family and friends are painfully aware. Overall the traumatic brain injury can affect our physical ability, emotional competency and our cognitive capacity in negative ways.
The first steps include using the correct safety equipment for your activity. Second, it is important to see your doctor if you suspect you have had a concussion. You are not helping yourself or your loved ones if you just “shake it off” and get back into the game.
For more information contact The Ontario Brain Injury Association and
in Peterborough contact the Brain Injury Association – Peterborough Region
