School sports are an essential part of many children’s lives. However, as a parent, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with sports– like the risk of concussions. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that can have lasting effects on a child’s health and well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore what every parent should know about school sports and concussions, including prevention, recognition, and proper management.

For a same-day sports physical exam, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Livingston. Our board-certified medical providers can assess your child’s overall wellness and provide further guidance on how to prevent injuries and concussions this sports season. Walk-in today!

Understanding Concussions

A concussion is a brain injury that occurs when a forceful impact to the head or body causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This movement can result in chemical changes in the brain and damage to the brain cells. Concussions are often associated with sports due to the physical demands of athletic activities. They can often happen in contact sports like football, soccer, and hockey. They also can occur in non-contact sports like gymnastics and cheerleading.

While urgent care centers can typically administer first aid help for someone with a concussion, it’s best to seek professional treatment at the emergency room. Urgent care centers, however, can provide sports physical exams that can help determine any predisposed risk factors that could increase the risk of a concussion occurring.

Prevention Is Key

While it’s impossible to eliminate all risks associated with sports, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of concussions. Caches, parents, and athletes themselves must work together to create a safer sports environment. Here are some preventative measures you should follow:

1. Proper Equipment: Ensure your child is wearing the appropriate safety equipment for their sport, such as helmets, mouthguards, and padding. Make sure the equipment fits well and is in good condition.
2. Training and Technique: Proper training and technique are essential in minimizing the risk of concussions. Coaches should focus on teaching athelties the correct way to tackle, block and perform other actions to avoid head impacts.
3. Rules and Regulations: Encourage coaches and schools to enforce rules that prioritize player safety. Rules about fair play and avoiding dangerous situations can reduce the risk of concussions.
4. Sports Physicals and Regular Check-ups: Before each sports season, make sure your child undergoes a comprehensive sports physical exam. This can significantly help identify any pre-existing conditions that can make them more susceptible to concussions.

Recognizing the Signs of a Concussion

Recognizing the signs of a concussion is vital for prompt and appropriate management, Sometimes, symptoms may not appear immediately after the injury. This makes it more important to stay aware, informed and vigilant.

Concussion symptoms may include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Poor balance
• Sensitivity to light & noise
• Difficulty concentrating
• Emotional and mood changes
• Sleep disturbances

Get a Same-Day Sports Physical at AFC Urgent Care Livingston

While concussions can occur, there are steps you can take to protect your athletes. By focusing on prevention, recognizing the signs, and ensuring proper management, parents and schools can protect their children’s health . For same-day sports physicals, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Livingston. Our board-certified medical providers specialize in a range of preventive health services. We accept most insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for any self-paying patient. If you have any additional questions about the concussions & school sports, please contact us directly at (973) 601-2626.