The general public has perpetuated concussion myths regarding the potential impacts of concussions, as well as what generally occurs during a concussion. This is detrimental as misinformation can prevent individuals from seeking appropriate medical care, which can result in decreased quality of life and increase the risk of major brain damage.
Below are 9 common concussion myths:
1. MYTH: Consciousness must be lost to sustain a concussion.
FACT: Loss of consciousness is not necessary. In particular, many people who sustain concussions will not experience every possible symptom. Additionally, many people will not display any signs of a concussion, aside from simply “not feeling right” after a blow to the head.
2. MYTH: In order to sustain a concussion, an individual must be hit on the head.
FACT: Concussions may result from blows, jolts, or bumps to the head. Concussions may also result from collisions, falls, or force to the body. An individual does not need to experience a blow specifically to the head to sustain concussion.
3. MYTH: There is no correlation between concussions and the development of neurological diseases or mental health issues.
FACT: Studies have demonstrated that concussions may be correlated to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) , or behavioural or cognitive issues. CTE is a neurological disease that causes brain cells to die in regions primarily responsible for basic motor functions and emotions, as well as mood.
4. MYTH: There are no adverse impacts from childhood concussions.
FACT: Following a concussion, children may experience decreased attention, memory, executive function and concentration. As a result, children who suffer from childhood concussions may have a greater risk of progressing at slower developmental rates.
5. MYTH: A concussed individual may resume strenuous activities, once they feel physically ready.
FACT: Concussed individuals must wait for medical advice from a healthcare professional before resuming strenuous activities. Exercising or participating in sports before healing from a concussion, increases the risk of suffering from an additional concussion, as well as other injuries.
6. MYTH: No association exists between childhood concussions and adverse outcomes experienced in the future.
FACT: Childhood concussions may increase the risk of reduced educational achievements, incarceration and substance abuse. Furthermore, childhood concussions may negatively affect future employment and financial prospects.
7. MYTH: Helmets can prevent concussions.
FACT: Helmets are a source of protection (and an important one at that). However, while helmets reduce the force of impact to the head and reduce the risk of injury, they do not completely prevent concussions.
8. MYTH: Concussed individuals can self-identify that they have sustained a concussion.
FACT: Concussed individuals may often be cognitively incapable of self-identifying a concussion. Confusion after a concussion may prevent the individual from recognizing that they have sustained a concussion. Among this, many individuals may not recognize all concussion signs and symptoms.
9. MYTH: Concussions only impact the individual.
FACT: Concussions impact the individual, as well as members of their support system. For instance, concussions are correlated to anger, social isolation, and depression among impacted family members. Moreover, concussions may generate economic stress, as well as increased risk for unemployment, divorce or suicide among the support system of the individual.
– Written by Dorothy Dinh
References
Brady, D., & Brady, F. (2011). Sport-related concussions: Myths and facts. Communiqué (National Association of School Psychologists), 39(8), 32.
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, February 12). Concussion Signs and Symptoms. https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/concussion_symptoms.html
Kearney, P. E., & See, J. (2017). Misunderstandings of concussion within a youth rugby population. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 20(11), 981-985. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2017.04.019
McKinlay, A., & Buck, K. (2018;2019;). Misconceptions about traumatic brain injury among educators: Has anything changed over the last 20 years? Disability and Rehabilitation, 41(12), 1419-1426. doi:10.1080/09638288.2018.1429500