The Biggest Concussion Myths – Debunked

With more information coming out each year about the potential complications that accompany concussions, coverage of athletes dealing with this injury in the main-stream media has skyrocketed.  However, as a result of this influx in coverage, many myths about concussions have accumulated. Distinguishing between fact and fiction will allow athletes to go through a speedy recovery process.  Our team at New York Sports Medicine Institute are experts in this field and want to dispel some of the most common concussion-related myths.

Consciousness Is Always Lost

Though many people assume concussions are always accompanied by a loss of consciousness, this is not the case.  Over 90% of people who suffer from this injury do not deal with this occurrence. Believing a concussion has not taken place based on this myth would be a mistake. Many people who face this injury fail to recognize the subtle symptoms that accompany concussions until days or sometimes weeks have passed.  Instead of focusing on a loss of consciousness, our team implores you to look for the following symptoms:

  • Changes in personality
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting
  • Sensitivity to bright light or loud noises

You Should Never Sleep After A Concussion

Another common myth is that sleeping after suffering a concussion comes with an increased risk of falling into comas.  However, our sports medicine doctor recommends receiving ample physical and cognitive rest within the first 24-48 hours of suffering from this injury. Uninterrupted rest is safe to take place as long as the below are not present:

  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Intense headaches
  • Nausea

Recovery Needs To Take Place In A Dark Room 

At one point, resting for long periods in a dark room was the standard for concussion recovery.  However, treatment requirements have changed as more information for concussion recovery continues to be gathered.  The CDC now recommends rest followed by a gradual return to physical activity. Marie Serina, FNP-BS, CIC, our concussion specialist, and the rest of our staff at New York Sports Medicine Institute will closely monitor your progress and safely ease you back into your daily routine. 

Concussion Services At New York Sports Medicine Institute

Now that we’ve dispelled a few myths about concussions, we’d like to share how our services can be utilized to help patients make a full recovery.  To properly diagnose concussions, Concussion Care, our branch at New York Sports Medicine Institute solely dedicated to helping athletes overcome this injury, utilizes the FDA approved EyeBox for diagnosis at our Westchester location. The EyeBox is a four-minute test that uses eye-tracking technology to determine if a concussion has taken place. 

Concussion Care is also a Credentialed ImPact® (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) Consultant, offering both baseline and follow-up testing after a concussion.  However, it does not stop there. The multi-disciplinary team at Concussion Care helps aid through the recovery process by providing the following services:

  • Performing neurocognitive assessments both before concussions are diagnosed, and after a patient has gone through treatment.  
  • Administering balance/vestibular testing and rehabilitation therapy.
  • Working directly with families, schools, and athletic departments to ensure individuals suffering from concussions receive proper care.
  •  Holding educational workshops for parents, coaches, trainers, athletes, and school nurses.  

Athletes dealing with concussions need to seek out expert care to ensure there are no lasting complications as a result of this type of injury.  Our team at New York Sports Medicine Institute is committed to providing comprehensive care patients need to make a full recovery. To learn more about Concussion Care, and the benefits this treatment branch can bring, contact us today. 

NYSMI