The Ultimate Guide to Prevent, Detect, and Heal Concussions

Season 8 of the podcast "Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta" explores the different states of the brain in detail. Each episode dives into a specific state such as the distracted brain, the frightened brain, and the nourished brain, shedding light on their impact on our bodies.

According to CNN, there has been significant progress in the comprehension of concussions. The condition, previously trivialized as cartoon characters seeing stars, is now receiving the recognition it warrants. Stricter concussion protocols are now implemented in both amateur and professional organized sports.

A concussion occurs when the head experiences a bump, blow, or jolt, or when the body is struck in a way that rapidly moves the head and brain back and forth, as stated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These abrupt movements can result in the brain bouncing around or twisting inside the skull, causing chemical changes and potential damage to brain cells. This can manifest in symptoms like momentary dizziness or disorientation, as well as long-term problems with sleep, memory, learning, and even alterations in personality.

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Concussions are not something to take lightly. They are categorized as traumatic brain injuries, as stated by Julie Stamm, author of "The Brain on Youth Sports: The Science, the Myths, and the Future," in a conversation with CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta on the podcast Chasing Life.

"I frequently use the term concussion since it is widely used in the context of sports. However, it is important to acknowledge that it is a form of traumatic brain injury. In fact, it is often characterized as a mild traumatic brain injury, although this label may downplay the severity of the injury," explained Stamm, a clinical assistant professor in the department of kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

"While we may not immediately worry about immediate life-threatening conditions like brain hemorrhage, a concussion can still have substantial consequences. It can result in lasting symptoms and significantly disrupt an individual's life. Therefore, it should be recognized as a serious injury."

Concussions can occur in various scenarios, such as participating in youth or professional sports, as well as experiencing falls, motor vehicle accidents, military injuries, and acts of violence, including intimate partner violence and child abuse.

Recent brain scans conducted on NFL hall of famer Joe DeLamielleure, who has been diagnosed with CTE, a brain injury that is increasingly impacting former football players.

Experts deem the guidance provided by influential groups concerning CTE as insufficient. The exact count of annual concussions is difficult to ascertain due to the tendency of individuals to refrain from seeking assistance. However, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, it is estimated that 1.7 million to 3 million concussions related to sports and recreational activities transpire each year, with half of these incidents remaining unreported or undetected. It should be noted that this estimate excludes concussions resulting from other causes.

Repeated brain injuries can heighten the likelihood of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to memory loss, confusion, impulse control issues, aggression, depression, impaired decision-making, suicidal tendencies, and early-onset dementia. For further insights on children, sports, and concussions, tune in to the complete episode of Chasing Life.

So, what can you do to protect, identify and treat a concussion? Stamm offers these five tips to raise awareness.

Losing consciousness is not necessary for a concussion to occur, as stated by Stamm via email. She pointed out that less than ten percent of concussions lead to loss of consciousness.

A concussion can occur even if there is no direct impact to the head. For example, if the body experiences a force that causes the head to move back and forth, such as whiplash, it can result in a concussion. This happens because the brain moves and strikes against the skull. Stamm further explains that helmets in sports cannot completely prevent concussions due to this reason.

Do not disregard the less evident signs of a concussion. In addition to confusion, dizziness, and a dazed appearance, concussions can also present symptoms that often go unnoticed. These symptoms may encompass trouble sleeping or insufficient sleep, a lack of interest, or heightened emotional reactions. It is important to acknowledge that these symptoms may not manifest immediately.

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Update your treatment playbook

"While it was previously believed that rest was the best approach to concussion recovery, recent findings have shown that engaging in light exercise can be beneficial," stated Stamm. She advises individuals to begin with gentle activities like walking or using a stationary bike within 24 to 48 hours after sustaining a concussion. The goal is to maintain a level of exercise that either does not worsen symptoms or only causes mild exacerbation, scoring no more than two points on a 10-point scale. This approach promotes increased blood flow to the brain, aiding in faster recovery."

USA's Helen Louise Maroulis (blue) reacts during her women's freestyle 57kg wrestling bronze medal match against Mongolia's Khongorzul Boldsaikhan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on August 5, 2021. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP) / The metadata for this photo by Jack GUEZ has been corrected in AFP systems. The mention of [bronze medal match] has been updated from [final match]. Please promptly remove the incorrect mention from all online services and delete it from your servers. If authorized by AFP to distribute to third parties, please ensure they also update accordingly. Failure to comply may result in liability for continued or post-notification usage. We apologize for any inconvenience and are available for further information if needed. (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

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Avoid impacts in sports

"Implementing strategies such as minimizing or eliminating impacts during sports activities or delaying the introduction of full-contact versions of the sport until a child is older can effectively reduce the risk of concussions. These measures also play a crucial role in mitigating the long-term consequences of repetitive brain trauma in sports," stated Stamm. "In order to prevent concussions, the most effective approach is to avoid any impacts altogether."

We hope these five tips can aid in safeguarding the brain against concussions, whether it's for yourself or your loved ones. For the full episode, please listen here. Join us next week for a special episode of Paging Dr. Gupta, where we deviate from our regular Chasing Life programming to delve into the mental impacts of witnessing a war unfold in real-time, along with guidance on addressing this issue with children regarding the situation in Israel and Gaza.

CNN Audios David Rind contributed to this report.