Join us as we explore the impact of concussions in hockey and uncover the steps we can take to promote safer play.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury caused by a hit to the head, resulting in loss of normal brain function. The sudden movement of the brain banging against the skull can cause stretching and damage of brain tissue. Concussion can result in the neuronal depolarization, release of excitatory neurotransmitters, glucose metabolism changes, an alteration to cerebral blood flow, and a impairment of axonal functions.
Concussion Signs and Symptoms
DOES THIS IMAGE MAKE YOU FEEL:
1. Headache: One of the most common symptoms. This can be something that can start to develop as late as a weeks time. Light sensitivity and noise can bring on a headaches. Often accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
2. Dizziness: A feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness. Increase is bodily sway. This stems from a disorientation of balance centers within our brains.
3. Memory Problems: Difficulty remembering things, like recent events or conversations. We begin to lose sense of things and feel an increase in brain fog. This is because of the inflammation build up once the injury occurs. Other reasons are the chemical imbalances after the blow as well as the disturbance of our blood flow circulation.
4. Mood Changes: Emotional stress from lack of memory, frustration of brain fog may cause a sudden irritability, sadness, depression, and anxiety.
Prevention and Management of Concussions
1. Protective Gear
This should be of no surprise! Wear properly fitted helmets and other protective equipment to reduce the risk of head injuries.
2. Education & Awareness
Educate athletes, coaches, and parents about concussions and the importance of reporting symptoms. The other aspect of protecting yourself is to work on your peripheral vision and reaction times to being hit. Vestibular system training is a very valuable part of learning how to protect yourself. You expect the hit, so you’re able to defend yourself better against opponents and the puck. Reaction time is what helps the worse get great and the great stay great.
Hope Brain & Body Recovery Center’s Dr. Schneider recently attended Dr. Carrick Neurovisual Therapy 25 Hours Seminar and Continued Learning. The weekend consisted of learning how to train the brain and vestibular system to work in unison to prevent and protect against injury.
The Link Between Hockey and Concussions
Hockey is a high-impact sport that involves physical contact and highspeed collisions, increasing the risk of sustaining concussions.
Statistics on Concussion Incidence in Hockey
Prevalence
The highest concussion rates are observed in the 10-17 age group.
Steps for Promoting Safer Hockey Play and Reducing Concussion Risk
Proper Technique
Teach and reinforce proper checking, body positioning, and skating techniques.
Monitoring and Reporting
Implement a comprehensive system for monitoring and reporting concussions.
Training and Conditioning
Focus on improving strength, balance, and overall fitness to reduce the risk of injury.
Support and Rehabilitation
Provide resources for athletes to properly recover and rehabilitate after a concussion.
Visual & Balance Training
Hope Brain & Body Recovery Center
Any disorder or disease, causing brain dysfunction needs to be addressed with brain-specific rehabilitation. At Hope Brain & Body Recovery Center in Pennsylvania we can help you and your beloveds.
Autonomic Balance Testing can be done with our state-of-the-art Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Testing.
Call to schedule your initial consult 610-544-9800
Gyrostim
- Vestibular System Training
- Hands on improvement exercises for reaction time
- Sports Performance Enhancement
- Learn how to protect yourself through visual training and making interconnections between canals within the brain
Virtualis
- Virtual Reality used to improve cognitive and physical abilities.
- Patient specific training exercises in order to rework the brain and improve hand eye coordination, brain related exercises, upper cervical movement exercises ect.
Proteus Strength Training / ARX / All-Core 360
As we head into the new year Hope Brain Center’s will be improving and expanding on our Sports Performance Enhancement. We are set to get two major pieces of equipment for measuring, gathering data, and training the Brain & Body to work in unison to perform at peak athlete level. If this is of interest to you call us at 610-544-9800 or email at office@hopebraincenter.com.
We can tell you the next steps in signing up for initial consults and examinations.
