Sports are a fun way to get active, particularly for children and adolescents. However, in some cases sports-related head injuries will require help from your Sugar Land emergency clinic. It’s important to take all necessary precautions in preventing head injuries during sports. Additionally, know the signs that it’s time to visit your Sugar Land emergency clinic for sports-related head injuries.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries, commonly known as TBIs, are injuries that are caused by a blow to the head or when an object penetrates the skull and enters the brain tissue. Many athletes come into their Sugar Land emergency clinic each year due to TBIs. For example, a concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury that can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Generally, athletes who partake in football, bicycling, basketball, and soccer are more likely to experience a TBI. For mild concussions, many times the athlete won’t experience any long-term symptoms. However, repeated concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries can be life threatening. Additionally, while uncommon, TBIs are the leading cause of death from sports-related injuries. Therefore, it’s important to know the signs that an athlete needs Sugar Land emergency care after a head injury.
When Should Athletes Visit Their Sugar Land Emergency Clinic After a Head Injury?
There are a few signs that you should bring an athlete to your emergency clinic for a possible TBI. These signs include:
- Confusion
- Bruises on the scalp
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe headaches
- Vomiting
- Excessive sleepiness or drowsiness
- Behavior that is out of character
These symptoms may be indicators that a TBI is more serious and may require immediate medical attention. It is also important to note that traumatic brain injuries can be caused by impact to the body, which can transfer up to the brain. So, even if an athlete didn’t receive a blow to the head, you should still take these signs seriously and bring them to your Sugar Land emergency clinic for evaluation.
Severe TBIs can lead to extended periods of unconsciousness, coma, or death. Therefore, in some cases an athlete will need medical care at their Sugar Land emergency room for sports-related head injuries. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your physician may recommend imaging of the brain to determine the appropriate actions to take. So, prevent head injuries during sports when possible and ensure that you know the signs it’s time to take a trip to your emergency room.
At St. Michael’s Elite Hospital, we offer shorter wait times with the same physicians and equipment as other emergency rooms. We are here to help you get feeling better as soon as possible during your emergency medical situations. Our staff provides efficient and friendly care to people of all ages for everything from allergic reactions to head injuries. Call us at (281) 980-4357 to let us know you’re on your way and choose St. Michael’s Elite Hospital as your Sugar Land emergency clinic. We are here to serve you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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