Has it ever happened to you? Or someone you know… that bang to your head which left you reeling? It’s something which shouldn’t be taken lightly.
A dizzy spell, headache or simply feeling unwell are all signs you may have concussion.
‘Concussion’ is used to describe a minor head injury or head trauma, not usually life-threatening but something which should be taken seriously. Concussion can lead to some or all of the following symptoms: a short period of unconsciousness (30 minutes or less), confusion, dizziness, amnesia (generally lasting less than 24 hours), persistent, low-grade headaches. A period of amnesia, or not recalling what has happened, is essential to the diagnosis of concussion.
The world has started to open the discussion around concussion, particularly within the sporting arena, as witnessed by the release of Director, Peter Landesman’s new movie Concussion: www.palacecinemas.com.au/movies/concussion
Concussion; The Movie
Director: Peter Landesman
Cast: Will Smith, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Luke Wilson, David Morse, Alec Baldwin
Duration: 123 mins
Language: English
Rating: M – Mature themes and coarse language
Release Date: 18 February, 2016 @ Palace Cinemas
“Will Smith stars in CONCUSSION, a dramatic thriller based on the incredible true David vs. Goliath story of American immigrant Dr. Bennet Omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a football-related brain trauma, in a pro player and fought for the truth to be known. Omalu’s emotional quest puts him at dangerous odds with one of the most powerful institutions in the world.”
And note, there’s an interesting article about the NFL’s response to the movie, here: mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2015/12/23/nfl-reaction-concussion-movie-will-smith-bennet-omalu
To continue,
Concussion is a common sporting injury, particularly in body contact sports (e.g. football, boxing), and recreational activities where falls are common, such as horse riding, cycling, skiing and diving. Our hard skull and facial bones are designed to protect our brain; if the skull is injured, then the brain becomes more vulnerable. When someone has a knock to the head, the brain can move about and knock against the skull and facial bones leading to a potential injury.
Certainly during the Australian Football League season, and now with our summer sports in full swing, you’ll often hear “he/she was carried off the pitch with concussion“.
Fortunately, the professional sports are surrounded by appointed doctors, however, you and your family are just as important and should heed the signs and go straight to your own GP.