It's no secret that American football and ice hockey are rough, full-contact sports resulting in a high number of player injuries. However, you might be surprised to learn that soccer ranks equally with both sports in the number of concussions sustained during play with both elite tournament teams and noncompetitive recreation leagues.
Symptoms
While concussions account for only about 3 percent of soccer injuries, they can be far more serious because of their effect on the brain. Immediate symptoms range from headache and nausea to loss of consciousness; long-term effects can include memory loss, confusion, vision issues and poor balance. Players sometimes are unaware that they have a concussion and continue playing, risking further injury and swelling in the brain. If you suspect a concussion, stop playing immediately and consult a physician for a full evaluation.
Causes
Most concussions in soccer are the result of a collision with another player, particularly head-to-head contact. Concussion also occurs when a player knocks his head against the goal post or falls heavily onto hard turf. When heading the ball, a player uses his head to deflect the ball toward the goal or to another teammate. The player is ready for the impact and tenses his neck muscles to act as shock absorbers. Unexpected collisions and falls allow no such preparation. Female players receive a higher number of concussions than males, but doctors aren't certain of the reason. Some theorize that females report their injuries more honestly and that their weaker neck muscles provide less support during impact to the head.
Treatment
Concussion is a condition in which the brain shifts inside the skull due to a sudden blow to the head or violent shaking. A concussion is an invisible injury, without obvious bruising, bleeding or broken bones to indicate its severity. It is crucial to seek treatment from a medical professional who can properly evaluate the symptoms and begin treatment. A doctor can prescribe painkillers to help with the physical discomfort, but the primary treatment for concussion is rest. This includes abstaining from mental strain as well as physical activities.
Patients should not watch television, study or otherwise tax their brains while maintaining bed rest. Most importantly, the patient should not return to the soccer field until completely healed and cleared by the doctor. A second concussion before the first has healed could result in ongoing permanent problems or fatal brain injury.
Prevention
Protective gear such as helmets and padded headbands can help prevent some head injuries resulting from impact against another player or a goal post; however, it doesn't appear to offer extra protection when heading the ball. Padded goal posts help reduce injuries as does playing with a properly inflated ball sized correctly for the players ages. Players should learn proper technique for heading the ball to avoid injury, and young children shouldn't head the ball at all until their neck muscles have developed enough to protect their head.
