Cumulative Effect Of Concussion

Doctors are still uncertain about cumulative effects of a concussion. But they do know that the severity of a concussion and its symptoms tend to worsen with every following injury that a person sustains. This occurs even if the next concussion occurs many months or years after the first one.

Cumulative effect of concussion shows that the symptoms of the injury may end up becoming more severe, and the person may experience alterations in the neurophysiology after the third and following concussions. (See Reference 1) A lot of research has also been done on the recovery period, but the results have been inconsistent. Hence, researchers are still unsure where athletes who get concussions over and over again have longer recovery period and also whether the cumulative effects of the concussion, like cognition impairment and problems with memory, occur. (See Reference 1)

Other cumulative effects of a concussion include psychiatric problems and long term memory loss. Researchers have found that football players in the US who have sustained 3 or more concussions are at a higher risk of being clinically depressed compared to players who have not had concussions. Furthermore, researchers have also found that when a person sustains 3 or more concussions, he or she is five times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease at an earlier age, and the person is also three more like to have memory loss. (See Reference 1)

Hence, when a person sustains a concussion, it is important that the person gets bed rest. In addition, the person should indulge in any activity that requires him or her to concentrate and focus as this can worsen the symptoms of the injury and also prolong the recovery period. (See Reference 2) Once the doctor allows the person to walk, he or she should first start doing light aerobic exercise, like walking and then graduate to more strenuous exercises. Care should be taken that the person does not immediately indulge in any physical activity that can cause the concussion again. If a person is into contact sports, he or she should only resume training for the sport after the doctor gives full medical clearance. (See Reference 2)

More Articles :

• Care For A Concussion
• Concussion And Brain Function
• Cumulative Effect Of Concussion
• Dangers Of Concussions In Football
• How Long Does A Concussion Last ?
• Signs Of A Concussion

1. Wikipedia: Concussion Cumulative Effects
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concussion#Cumulative_effects

2. Teens Health: Concussions
http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/first_aid/concussions.html
http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/first_aid/concussions.html#