Risk of concussion Have collisions examined while exercising

Concussions are often not recognized
Medical experts warn that clashes and falls during sports are often not taken seriously enough. The result of such accidents can often be a concussion. This is not always diagnosed correctly, although symptoms can sometimes last for years.

Athletes often do not take accidents seriously enough
Every year over 40,000 concussions in Germany are diagnosed. However, the number of unreported cases is significantly higher. As it says in a communication to the German Congress of Orthopedics and Traumatology 2015, athletes, especially in school and mass sports, often do not take accidents seriously enough. But falls and collisions can result in a concussion. The headaches, forgetfulness or depressive moods caused by such accidents can persist for years to come.

Sports accidents on the head should not be underestimated. Image: Photographee.eu - fotolia

"Protect your head"
Therefore, it is even more important to know how to recognize a concussion and what to do in an acute case. As part of the campaign "Protect Your Head", information material and a free app for all those interested were created. Dr. med. Axel Gänsslen, a doctor at the Klinikum Wolfsburg, said: "A concussion is a serious injury." If left untreated, it can be followed by late damage such as migraine or movement disorders. The most common symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, neck pain, weakness, tiredness or blurred vision. Only ten to thirty percent suffer from an acute loss of memory. According to the expert, a hint can also be given if the person affected often takes his or her head, supports it or has a blank look.

Head injuries in "contact sports"
At the final of the last Soccer World Cup in Brazil, many people were reminded that such injuries could occur, especially with "contact sports", when the German Christoph Kramer was knocked out of action. At that time, experts had warned about the consequences of head injuries in football. All signs of a concussion are summarized on the FIFA World Cup "PocketCard". Last year, scientists reported on a new blood test to detect injuries in the brain.

Recovery usually within a week
If a concussion diagnosis is backed up by a doctor, it takes at least six to ten days for the nerve cells to recover. During this time, external stimuli such as music, computer or learning should be switched off. The most important therapy components are time and rest. A drug treatment is not available. "Because those affected do not perceive the pain or swelling as with an injury to the joint, it often takes a lot of persuasiveness to prevent athletes from getting active too early," said Gänsslen. Mostly the prognosis is good. Thus, 85 percent recover completely within a week. If the symptoms persist for longer than three to four weeks, a neurological examination should be performed, advises the expert.