Snow sports are fun and help build strong bodies and minds. They also come with risks. While no one wants a pulled muscle or a broken leg, these will heal. A blow to the head, “ringing your bell,” is a different matter. Research is finding that concussions and brain injury, particularly repeated concussions, can lead to dementia, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s Disease.
The McCostis Scholarship Fund is providing this fact sheet to help prevent and/or reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries in our athletes and for the many people in their lives who love to ski and snowboard.
Prevent Slope Injuries :
• Wear a helmet that fits. Studies show that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of brain injury by 50-80%.
• Don’t use alcohol or drugs, including any over the counter or prescription medications that have warnings about use when driving or operating equipment
• Obey the safety rules of the mountain, including terrain parks and racing programs
• Have your equipment checked regularly
• Don’t borrow your friends equipment as this increases your risk for an injury
• Recognize when you need a break. Many injuries occur when you are tired.
• Don’t attempt tricks or slopes that are beyond your ability.
• Don’t ski or ride alone
If You Hit Your Head:
• Stop. Do not try to ski or snow board
• Get immediate medical assistance. This will often be available by the mountain’s ski patrol/first aid staff.
• Follow the recommendations made by mountain first aid personal for further evaluation at a hospital or with a medical provider
• Follow the directions of your treating medical provider
Concussions Basics: Your brain has the consistency of gelatin, which floats in a sea of cerebrospinal fluid. A blow to the head can cause your brain to slam into the wall of your skull . Ouch! This can result in bleeding in or around your brain and the tearing of nerve fibers. Regardless of how mild or severe it may be, brain injuries all share one thing in common-they alter how your brain works. This can affect memory, speech, judgment, balance and coordination.
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
Some symptoms are immediately apparent, such as loss of consciousness, vomiting, confusion, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or slurred speech, while others are not apparent until hours or even days later. If any of the following symptoms occur, in the days or weeks following the accident seek medical attention:
• Prolong headache or dizziness
• Vision or eye disturbances, including pupils that are bigger than normal (dilated pupils) or pupils of unequal sizes
• Nausea or vomiting
• Impaired balance
• Prolonged memory loss
• Ringing in the ears
• Loss of smell or taste
• Seizure (convulsion)
• Changes in behavior, including irritability
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Blood or fluid discharge from the nose or ears
• A cut that won’t stop bleeding after you’ve applied pressure for 10 minutes.
Post Concussion Syndrome: A complex disorder in which concussion symptoms last for weeks and sometimes months after injury. Such symptoms include: Headaches, Dizziness, Fatigue, Irritability, Anxiety, Insomnia, Loss of concentration and memory, or Noise and light sensitivity
Second Impact Syndrome: If a second concussion occurs before the first one has resolved, the second impact is more likely to cause brain swelling and other widespread damage, and can be fatal. The second injury may occur from days to weeks following the first concussion. Loss of consciousness is not required.
Repeated Concussions: Repeated concussions significantly worsen long-term outcomes. They can increase the risk for post concussion syndrome. The more concussions, the greater the risk of long-term cognitive dysfunction.
What Coaches Need to Know
• Lead by example, where a helmet. Your athlete looks up to you.
• Have current First Aid and CPR certification
• Obtain a copy of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) free Tool Kit on Concussion for High School Coaches
• If an athlete sustains a head injury, follow the protocol outlined in the CDC kit, call for Ski Patrol
• Do not let an athlete back on snow without a written note from the treating medical provider, which outlines when an athlete can return to training and competition.
• Encourage competitive athletes to have a preseason baseline cognitive test
What Parents Need to Know
• Lead by example and wear a helmet if you are a skier or snowboarder. You are the primary role model for your child.
• Know your child’s coach(s). Ask to see appropriate certification for CPR, First Aid and concussion management guidelines.
• If your child sustains a head injury, seek medical attention.
• Follow directions outlined by the medical provider. Regardless of how well they say they feel, or how much they plead, do not let your child return to training or sport until they are free of symptoms and the doctor says it is safe for them to return to sport.
• Observe your child for signs of post concussion syndrome. Do not let them back on snow if they are exhibiting any symptoms.
• Let the coach know of your child’s injury and when it is safe for them to return to train or compete.
What Athletes Need to Know
• If you hit your head, tell the coach and your parents
• Pay attention to physical changes and how you think.
• Follow the doctor’s orders about when it is safe to return to your sport.
• If a teammate has a head injury, support them in following the doctor’s directions and know the signs of post concussion syndrome. You may be in the best position to know if your friend needs help.
For More Information
• The Vermont Brain Injury Association 1-877-856-1772
• Concussion Information from the Mayo Clinic
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