PhysicianOne Urgent Care Offers a "Heads Up" in Time for Football Playoffs

Concussions, often a result of impact during a sporting event, can lead to long-term or permanent brain damage in young athletes if not properly treated. As a result, PhysicianOne Urgent Care is pleased to present informative tips on avoiding concussions as well as how to spot one following an impact.
Brookfield, CT — January 12, 2016 — PhysicianOne Urgent Care is proud to offer parents, players, and coaches a “Heads Up” on concussion awareness, prevention, and treatments during playoffs season.
According to FamilyDoctor.org, a concussion is any traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head. However, the website also notes that concussions can occur from a severe body hit that in turn causes sudden head movements.
PhysicianOne Urgent Care further elaborates, explaining that concussions occur when the brain is moved back and forth within the skull as a result of impact. According to PhysicianOne Urgent Care, these movements can cause “bruising of the brain itself or stretching, tearing or bleeding in the tissues and blood vessels that surround the brain.” While most of the side effects from a concussion are self-resolving, some can lead to long-term or permanent brain damage.
Since concussions are not visible to the naked eye and symptoms can take several days to surface, it is vital that players, parents, and coaches are well versed on the symptoms and treatment for concussions. Symptoms of concern include the following:

• A loss of consciousness
• Amnesia (not severe confusion)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Extreme headache
• Difficulty concentrating, poor balance, or slurred speech

However, not all of these symptoms will be present at the time of impact. For this reason, continued observation following a head injury should extend over several days and include monitoring for headache, dizziness, vision changes, personality changes, poor concentration, and forgetfulness.
Most concussions are diagnosed without a CT scan; though, one may be ordered to rule out any potential brain bleeds. Treatment is generally rest from physical activity and extreme mental activity for a period of time. This often also includes limiting or ceasing screen time from computers, televisions, and cell phones.
Following a diagnosis of a concussion, it is very important for the athlete to rest thoroughly before returning to a sporting activity. Rushing the athlete’s return can lead to further injury and a condition known as post-concussion syndrome. Dr. Jeannie Kenkare, Chief Medical Office of PhysicianOne Urgent Care states, “Post-concussion syndrome sufferers may experience depression, memory loss, coordination problems, behavior changes and other long-term difficulties that can negatively impact the quality of their lives.” Diagnosis is most common in the days or weeks following a concussion.
Not surprisingly, concussions are most commonly incurred as a result of impact sports popular in the fall season, especially gridiron football. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has introduced a new protocol for tackle football that encourages shoulder hits as opposed to head impacts. The CDC breaks the method down and offers tips for players, parents, coaches, and healthcare providers on their website, located here. When paired with proper protective helmets, this protocol is an effective element to reducing concussions as a result of sports impacts.

About PhysicianOne Urgent Care

PhysicianOne Urgent Care provides quality, easily-accessible, walk-in medical care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. All locations are open 365 days per year; 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., weekends and holidays. Experienced providers are on-site at all times. X-ray and lab services are available on-site. Insurance is accepted; self-pay options are also available.
Founded in 2008, PhysicianOne Urgent Care, the original Urgent Care of Connecticut, was the first in the market to be accredited and certified by the Urgent Care Association of America.
PhysicianOne Urgent Care is a cost-effective alternative to the Emergency Room as well as a convenient alternative to primary care physicians during off or peak hours.
For more information, including a list of services, locations, insurances accepted, career opportunities, and more, or to view current wait times and check-in, please visit www.PhysicianOneUrgentCare.com.

Contact

Andrea Tager
Director of Marketing
PhysicianOne Urgent Care
atager@physicianoneurgentcare.com
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