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THE INCIDENCE OF CONCUSSIONS IN SOCCER PLAYERS AT BREWTON-PARKER COLLEGE AND THE USEFULNESS OF CONCUSSION SYMPTOM SEVERITY REPORTS

Abstract

Sports-related concussions, classified as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), are common injuries. It is caused by a direct blow to the head, which causes the brain to shift and hit the walls of the skull. The diagnosis of a concussion results from how the athlete is feeling and known common symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, numbness, irritability, memory and concentration problems, difficulty sleeping, and sensitivity to noise and light. Athletes are also more likely to suffer an injury to a lower extremity because of a past concussion. Treatment includes ample rest and good nutrition during recovery time. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of head injuries between men and female soccer athletes. It was hypothesized that females will experience more concussion-like symptoms than males, aligning with previous research. Throughout the season, 16 female soccer players and 17 male soccer players were asked to complete a symptom severity report or questionnaire to document specific concussion-like symptoms after a game, rated from mild to extreme. Reports were filled out every two days, for a total of a week after a game. During the same season, the head athletic trainer documented two athletes that had suffered concussions – one women’s volleyball team member and one playing men’s basketball. Analysis of the questionnaires showed soccer players did experience concussion-like symptoms after playing a game, but none were officially diagnosed as concussions. The women’s soccer team experienced more concussion-like symptoms throughout the season reported by all the field positions (a keeper, six defenders, four midfielders, and five forwards), categorized from mild to extreme. For the men’s team, midfielders and forwards reported mild to moderate symptoms more frequently than keepers and defenders. The concussion symptom severity report was found to be useful and it was recommended to the athletic trainer to be used as an additional tool in the prevention and care for head injuries in athletes.

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