"What is a concussion?"
A concussion may occur after a head injury resulting from falling or getting hit. It is a mild brain injury that can cause headache, confusion, or memory loss. A concussion may or may not be associated with temporary loss of consciousness.
"What symptoms might I have?"
Soon after a concussion (minutes to hours), symptoms include: memory loss, headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or feeling tired or irritable. Symptoms appearing hours to days later may include: attention or memory problems, sleep disturbance, vision changes, mood swings, difficulty walking or talking, or sensitivity to noise or light.
"What should I do if I suspect I have had a concussion?"
See your doctor. Your doctor will interview you regarding symptoms and examine you. If a serious injury is suspected, your doctor may order a CT or MRI scan of the head.
"May I continue racing if I have suffered a suspected concussion?"
No. If you, the race director, a fellow racer, a ski patroller, or a bystander with relevant medical credentials suspects that you have suffered a concussion, then you are automatically and immediately a DNF and must withdraw from the race.
"What is treatment?"
Most patients simply require physical and mental rest until symptoms resolve, which can take hours to a few days. During this time, in addition to rest, some authorities recommend Tylenol for headache.
"When should I contact the doctor or other qualified medical professional again (after the initial evaluation)?"
If any of the following conditions apply: prolonged vomiting (i.e., more than an hour); headache is severe or getting worse; seizures, vision changes, coordination difficulties, or developing weakness in part of your body; lose bowel or bladder control; symptoms last longer than two to three weeks.
"When can I resume sports?"
Consult with your doctor. Your symptoms should resolve before returning to sports.
"When can I resume participation in NE Rando?"
You must provide written clearance from a licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.).
"How can I prevent a concussion?"
Wear a helmet -- which is required for all our races, and at all times, both ascents and descent. And of course take actions to mitigate the possibility of a concussion -- note that skiing down the easier groomed portions of our descents in excess of typical ski patrol enforcement limits is explicitly prohibited at all of our revenues.
