Juanita Sanchez, like many other High Schools, has sports teams that we as a school take pride in. We either love to participate in the exhilarating sports or we love to cheer on our friends and classmates as they work hard to make us proud. Whichever we do, we need to look out for each other.
Mild to severe Traumatic Brain Injuries (or TBI’s) are quite common in sports. No matter how many precautions you take, you have a risk of getting a TBI in contact sports such as Football, basketball, and soccer. It can start off with one concussion and then multiple concussions that can lead to a TBI that can and will prevent you from doing what you love for a small amount of time or indefinitely.
Getting 3 or more concussions can affect long-term cognitive function and that is why it is best to report a possible concussion as soon as you see the symptoms, which are: slurred speech, weakness, numbness, inability to wake up or stay awake, increased drowsiness, a headache that worsens and doesn’t go away, and loss of consciousness.
50% of High School Athletes do not report a concussion to their parents or coaches to stay in a game. We advise against this. While it is not often, some student athletes will suffer a concussion or a severe head injury, they will hide it to stay in sports, they will fall asleep, and they will never wake up. That is why it is important to report a concussion as soon as you suspect you have one.
If you see a student athlete with possible symptoms of a concussion or head injury, urge them to report it to a coach or advisor. Please do not be deterred from sports because of the risks. Just stay aware, educate others, look after one another, and follow protocols always. If you would like more information please contact: The JSEC Hosa Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Group.