Ask Dr. Nick
On today’s episode, Dr. Nick talks about how concussions can predispose an athlete to leg injuries later in the season. Concussions symptoms generally are absent after 7-21 days; however, the brain may not be completely healed. Many times the patient is able to compensate for deficiencies that have been caused from the concussion, so that they have no symptoms and return to play if they are an athlete. This return before the brain is properly functioning can lead to decreased reaction times, poor peripheral vision, ineffective decision making, and improper motor control. All can predispose athletes to injuries as was found in the two articles discussed. Check out the video for more in depth information on how concussions can increase the risk of leg injuries!
- Brooks MA, Peterson K, Biese K, Sanfilippo J, Heiderscheit BC, Bell DR. Concussion Increases Odds of Sustaining a Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Injury After Return to Play Among Collegiate Athletes. Am J Sports Med. 2016;44(3):742-747.
- Herman DC, Jones D, Harrison A, et al. Concussion May Increase the Risk of Subsequent Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Injury in Collegiate Athletes. Sports Med. 2017;47(5):1003-1010.
