By Mark Barrett
Oct. 21st, 2011
Nathan Conway of Surrey, P.E.I had to sit out a whole season at Mt. Allison University because of a concussion sustained at practice. Now he plays for Holland College and is more careful and cautious.
Concussions are really dangerous, Conway said.
“It was hard to sit out and watch my team play, but they can really kill you. ”
Symptoms of concussions are headaches, nausea and vomiting and blurred vision, says Emedicinehealth.com
Dr. J Bhalla in Moncton, N.B has treated lots of athletes who did not want to believe they had concussions.
Most people don’t take good care of them selves and don’t get treated on time, he said.
“There is really no way around that fact that you have one. Most athletes usually get these injuries because of a vicious hit they got playing either hockey, football, or rugby.”
“Treatment of concussion involves monitoring and rest. Symptoms usually go away entirely within three weeks, through they may persist, or complications may occur. Repeated concussions can cause cumulative brain damage such as dementia pugilistica which is a neurodegenerative disease sustained commonly by boxers,” said Emedecinehealth.com
Alex Dickens a former Holland College football player was forced to give up his entire football career because of four concussions and re-occurring headaches.
It is really important to take proper care of your self, Dickens said.
“There is nothing wrong with playing after you’ve had one, but when you bang and bang everyday knowing that you have a serious injury, it’s just not smart.”
Jermaine Duke of Toronto, Ontario knows the feeling. A former rugby player for the UPEI panthers, he know that not getting the proper treatment can end your career. He was knocked unconscious in a rugby game.
It’s a really humbling experience, especially when you think of the fact that you can never play the sport you love again, Duke said.
“The first time I sustained a concussion I ignored it completely and didn’t go to the doctor or even tell my coach. Now, I know that was a big mistake.”
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