A basketball hitting your head can cause a concussion. A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that temporarily affects brain function. While often associated with high-impact sports like football, basketball also presents a risk, with a 70% increase in traumatic brain injuries on the court reported in a 2010 study.
Understanding Concussions
A concussion occurs when an external force impacts the head or body, causing the brain to accelerate and decelerate rapidly within the cranial vault, which can lead to the brain colliding with the inside of the skull and a complex series of physical and biochemical changes. The brain, suspended in fluid, can experience stretching and damage to its cells and blood vessels. This mechanical insult can disrupt normal cellular processes, altering neurotransmitter release, impairing cerebral blood flow, and creating energy imbalances within the brain. Rotational forces, in particular, are considered a predominant mechanism of injury in concussions, as they generate shear forces throughout the brain tissue. The effects of a concussion can be serious and last for days, weeks, or even longer.
Recognizing Concussion Signs
Recognizing the signs of a concussion is important for prompt action, though symptoms can be subtle and may not appear immediately, manifesting minutes or hours after the impact, and sometimes even days later. Common physical symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or blurred vision. Cognitive symptoms may involve confusion, feeling “in a fog,” difficulty concentrating, or memory problems, such as forgetting the event that caused the concussion. Emotional changes like irritability, mood swings, or anxiety can also occur. Sleep patterns might also be affected, leading to sleeping more or less than usual.
What to Do After a Head Impact
If someone is hit in the head by a basketball and a concussion is suspected, immediate action is necessary to prevent further injury, and the individual should be removed from play or activity right away. Continuing to play with a suspected concussion increases the risk of another injury and can lead to more serious complications. Seeking medical attention is important for a professional diagnosis. A doctor can assess symptoms, perform neurological and cognitive tests, and determine if imaging like a CT scan or MRI is needed to rule out more severe injuries such as bleeding or swelling in the brain. Recovery generally involves physical and cognitive rest, with a gradual return to activities as symptoms improve; it is important to avoid activities that worsen symptoms and to receive clearance from a healthcare professional before resuming high-risk activities like contact sports.