Playing a sport, whether contact or not, puts your children at increased risk for injury. This includes many of the activities and sports kids and teens participate in during or after school. With any injury, especially head injuries, it’s important to know the difference between fact and fiction.   

NorthShore University HealthSystem’s Sports Concussion Program helps parents distinguish the facts from the fictions when it comes to concussion:

Fiction: You need to be “knocked out” to have a concussion.
Fact: The majority of concussions do not cause unconsciousness. In fact, only about one in every 10 concussions result in loss of consciousness.  

Fiction: Men suffer from concussions more than women.
Fact: Women are just as prone to concussion as men. Some of the highest rates of concussions occur in women who play soccer, basketball or do cheerleading.  

Fiction: If you’re feeling fine, you probably don’t have a concussion and can continue to play.
Fact: If you suspect that you or someone on your team has suffered a concussion, it’s important to stop play immediately. Symptoms don’t always surface right away, and it’s best to get examined by a trainer or team/family physician before going back to the game.

Fiction: The use of helmets and mouth guards can prevent and reduce your risk of concussion.
Fact: While wearing a helmet can protect the head from fracture, it doesn’t guarantee reduced instances of concussion. As for mouth guards, there isn’t sufficient evidence to support the claim that head injuries can be reduced. Safety equipment in any sport is important, even if it doesn’t always protect from concussions.

Fiction: If someone has a concussion, they must avoid any and all stimulation until they are symptom-free.
Fact: Most newly concussed patients will feel better if they avoid loud noises, bright lights and busy environments. However, there is no scientific evidence to support prolonged avoidance of stimulation. In fact, it may be counterproductive. It is more important to examine what triggers a person’s symptoms to better manage their environment.  

Fiction: It takes months to recover from a concussion.
Fact: Most people who suffer a concussion recover in 1-2 weeks, although some have symptoms that persist. There are, however, treatments to treat lingering symptoms.