Watch Your Head Trivia Quiz

Answer: A TBI (traumatic brain injury) resulting from a blow to the head or any jolt which causes sudden head movement or shaking of the brain within the skull

Although there is still not a perfect consensus about how to define concussions, medical experts agree that the brain injury resulting from head trauma can, and frequently does, occur without loss of consciousness. It can occur without any direct blow when the brain bangs against the skull, for instance with violent shaking or having the neck snapped back suddenly.

Answer: During any organized or unorganized sport or activity

Unfortunately, the intense discussion of concussions at every level, from the National Football League down to youth sports, is not just media hype. Sports participation is at an all time high, and so are concussions. Fortunately, as scientists better understand brain function, awareness and treatment procedures are also much improved.

Answer: Athlete appears stunned or dizzy; confused/unsure of present situation; slow to respond to questions

One or more of the correct answer symptoms, such as being stunned, dizzy, confused, or having slow or slurred speech, are fairly common with concussions and must be noted. Extreme symptoms from incorrect answers are unusual and indicate a more serious problem which requires immediate emergency care.

Answer: Remove athlete from game, observe carefully, look for changes in physical condition, behavior, thinking, speech patterns

Removal from the contest is paramount. This allows for observation of signs and symptoms and allows examination by trainer or experienced medical personnel. Symptoms can also appear later, so observation should be ongoing, and parents informed if possible. ANY head trauma deserves attention. Getting immediate complex tests done is impractical, often impossible, and although looking into an athlete's eyes is a good observational technique, concussed athletes will often say, "I'm OK," or "I'm fine, put me back in."

Answer: Light hurts my eyes, I don't feel right, my head hurts

Other symptoms may include feeling foggy, nauseous and/or confused.

Answer: Rest

Rest is the prescribed first phase of treatment in order to calm down the symptoms and allow the brain to start healing.

Answer: Football

American Football is the obvious and correct answer. Interestingly, the concussion rate for high school soccer players is almost double for girls as opposed to boys. Injury rate per 100,000 exposures: Football-52; girls' soccer-35; boys' soccer-17; boys' basketball-9. Source: NFHS/High School RIO 2008-09.

Answer: Both A and B

Coaches can set the tone for safe and fair play by ensuring their players know and conform to safety based rules and are adequately equipped at all times, and by keeping abreast of the latest information available. Most states now offer concussion awareness and protocol courses online, and many individual schools and some school districts require them for coaches.

Answer: After returning to school, being symptom free, and being cleared by an appropriate health care professional

At this point, a gradual step by step program is recommended, starting with very light, non-contact exercise and moving to more strenuous activity. Any return of symptoms necessitates an immediate cessation of activity and a return to the rest phase. The brains of children and adolescents are more delicate and susceptible to concussion than adult brains.

Answer: They were diagnosed post mortem with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy linked to concussions

Ex-NFL players Seau and Waters, and ex-major league baseball player Freel committed suicide and had families who allowed their brains to be examined for for concussion-related brain damage. Australian rugby player Taylor and pro wrestler Benoit suffered from dementia and also had a diagnosis of CTE. UK rugby union is now facing some of the the same concussion issues as the NFL. For an excellent discussion, see Andy Bull's online article "Concussion: Rugby's dirty secret" The Observer- Saturday, Dec.14 2013