Concussions arent just for NFL players.
They can happen while playing in aweekend sports leagueor even from an unlucky slip and fall.
In one case, College football offensive linemen had27 unreported possible concussions for every one they spoke up about.
We spoke with neurologistDr.
Jeffrey Kutcherto bust some myths about concussions and help you understand what to do if you get one.
Instead, the damage is only noticeable in the way the brain functions.
This means symptoms can range from slowed reaction time to difficulty focusing or thinking clearly to nausea and vomiting.
Thats why its so important to be on the lookout for the symptoms of a concussion.
(Its also available as an app foriOSandAndroid.)
If somebody passes a concussion test, they still shouldnt go back on the field.
Any further evaluation is a doctors job.
There may be other factors involved that they can help with, too.
For example, concussion symptoms can be worse in people with ADHD, migraines, or sleep disorders.
Part of the doctors job is to help educate you and ensure you understand what to expect.
But the vast majority of concussions are not life-altering events, he says.
Most people recover without difficulty.
Unfortunately, not every doctor at an emergency room or urgent care clinic fits that bill.
Those are older ideas that arent supported by thecurrent understanding of how the recovering brain works.
It takes time to recover from a concussion, typically 7-10 days, but sometimes longer.
(And no, itsnot dangerous to go to sleep.)
The average weekend athletedoesnt have to worry about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, the condition that the movieConcussioncentered around.
Still, its a good idea to protect yourself from concussions if you play a sport where theyre common.
Helmetscant completely prevent a concussion, but they do help.
If you play that kind of sportDr.
Illustration by Sam Woolley.
