About concussion injuries...
Common Myths
A great deal has been learned in the field of medicine, in the past few decades, about the nature of concussion injury and how it can affect people, and it is now widely recognized that concussion is a potentially significant cause of lasting cognitive difficulties... including the attention deficits often presumed to be due to ADHD, and some learning issues often presumed to be due to learning disability. Knowing more accurate information about concussion can help with accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Seeking medical advice promptly after any potential concussion injury is strongly advised!!!
The following list of common beliefs are ALL NOW KNOWN TO BE FALSE:
"I didn't lose consciousness, so I must be fine!"
(Not true... many other factors determine how a particular injury may impact a person.)
"I feel okay, so I can continue my skiing (biking, horseback riding, soccer game, etc., etc.).
(Again, not true... symptoms of concussion can emerge gradually. More importantly, sustaining a
second injury right away can greatly increase the likelihood of serious, lasting difficulties!)
"I didn't hit my head, so it can't be a concussion."
(Not true... concussion is actually caused by the brain moving violently within the bony skull, and
while hitting the head can cause that, so can sudden stops, hard falls, or violent shaking.
"I always wear my helmet when I ride (ski, skate, play football, etc.), so I am safe from concussion."
(Not true... while wearing a helmet IS DEFINITELY ADVISED, because doing so CAN protect from
serious head injuries, such as fractures, a helmet can't keep the brain from moving inside the skull,
and thus cannot prevent concussion injury!)
Common Myths
A great deal has been learned in the field of medicine, in the past few decades, about the nature of concussion injury and how it can affect people, and it is now widely recognized that concussion is a potentially significant cause of lasting cognitive difficulties... including the attention deficits often presumed to be due to ADHD, and some learning issues often presumed to be due to learning disability. Knowing more accurate information about concussion can help with accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Seeking medical advice promptly after any potential concussion injury is strongly advised!!!
The following list of common beliefs are ALL NOW KNOWN TO BE FALSE:
"I didn't lose consciousness, so I must be fine!"
(Not true... many other factors determine how a particular injury may impact a person.)
"I feel okay, so I can continue my skiing (biking, horseback riding, soccer game, etc., etc.).
(Again, not true... symptoms of concussion can emerge gradually. More importantly, sustaining a
second injury right away can greatly increase the likelihood of serious, lasting difficulties!)
"I didn't hit my head, so it can't be a concussion."
(Not true... concussion is actually caused by the brain moving violently within the bony skull, and
while hitting the head can cause that, so can sudden stops, hard falls, or violent shaking.
"I always wear my helmet when I ride (ski, skate, play football, etc.), so I am safe from concussion."
(Not true... while wearing a helmet IS DEFINITELY ADVISED, because doing so CAN protect from
serious head injuries, such as fractures, a helmet can't keep the brain from moving inside the skull,
and thus cannot prevent concussion injury!)