Concussions: Sports and Recreational Activities

Concussions are often called invisible injuries because symptoms aren't always obvious right away. From organized sports and high-risk play to bike rides, playground falls and backyard games, knowing how these injuries happen, what to watch for, and how to respond can help you protect your family.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a hit to the head or a jolt to the body that makes the brain move rapidly inside the skull. This movement temporarily disrupts normal brain function, leading to short-term changes in thinking, balance and mood.

Key fact: You do not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion.
Safety note: While a helmet does not always prevent a concussion, it is essential for protecting against more severe head injuries.

Common symptoms to watch

Concussion symptoms can be grouped into physical, cognitive and emotional categories.

Physical symptoms:

Headache
Dizziness or balance problems
Nausea
Sensitivity to light or noise
Vision issues ( blurred or double vision)

Thinking and memory issues:

Confusion or feeling "foggy"
Slowed processing or reaction time
Difficulty focusing or concentrating
Memory gaps (for events immediately before or after the injury)

Mood and behavior changes:

Irritability, anxiety or sadness
Unusual quietness or emotional volatility

Preventing concussions

Prevention starts with the right preparation and adherence to safety protocols.

Prevention for athletes:

Proper gear: Always ensure athletes wear well-fitted, activity-appropriate helmets and protective equipment.
Enforce rules: Strictly enforce no head-first contact policies in all applicable sports.
Technique: Teach and practice safe falling and tackling techniques.
Environment: Maintain safe playing areas, including properly conditioned fields and gear.
Wellness: Encourage adequate hydration and rest to combat fatigue, and supervise high-risk play closely.

Prevention for recreation and play:

Water safety (diving): Always check the depth of water before diving into pools, lakes or rivers. Never dive headfirst into shallow or murky water.
Wheeled activities: Ensure all children wearing helmets (biking, scootering, skateboarding) are using one that is properly fitted (level on the head, chin strap snug). Replace helmets immediately after a significant crash.
Playgrounds and trampolines: Supervise children closely. Ensure playgrounds have soft surfaces (mulch, sand or mats). On trampolines, only allow one jumper at a time to prevent collisions.

Responding to a suspected concussion

Remove from play: If a concussion is suspected, remove the person from play immediately and seek medical evaluation. Call your primary care provider or go to the nearest urgent care if your child is showing mild signs of a concussion. Go to the emergency department if they have loss of consciousness, are vomiting, have sudden vision changes, memory issues or are exhibiting unusual behavior.
Initial rest: Initial care typically involves 24–48 hours of rest (limiting both physical and mental strain).
Gradual return: Recovery should follow a medically supervised plan that moves from light activity to full participation.
Clearance: The person should only return to full play once they are symptom-free and have been cleared by a clinician.

Why proper care matters

Untreated or repeated concussions can lead to serious, lingering issues, including persistent headaches, sleep problems, chronic dizziness, and difficulties with thinking and memory that can affect school and work. While most people recover well with timely care, taking symptoms seriously is the only way to reduce the risk of prolonged recovery and long-term consequences.

Find concussion care

Firelands Health Primary Care has providers who specialize in concussion treatment and sports injuries. To schedule an appointment, call 567-867-2520.

For immediate concussion care, go to the nearest emergency department.