Having had several concussions over the past 30 years (lots of sports!), I still was not prepared for the aftermath of my catching an edge and slamming into the water while wakeboarding last June.
I still have no memory of my friend's run that followed and I have a sketchy memory of even getting the boat out of the water.
If I asked my husband and friends "are you messing with me" one more time (as I kept asking did I fall hard and they kept answering "yes") I think they were going to leave me behind.
As soon as I realized we were on asphalt and the boat was almost completely wiped down (not having any real memory of how I got there), I self-diagnosed that I had a concussion.
My husband and friends knew as well and it was VERY important that they did not panic or frighten me. Once I realized the truth, we discussed our options and started driving home (and toward a hospital, if needed).
As we drove, I did hammer them with questions trying to get my memory back to no avail. However, within 30 minutes, I felt much better and just went home and chilled.
It took about three days for me to feel as though I was over all the effects of the concussion (of course, my husband still says I am "dingy" from the concussion).
The point is this: Other things to look for if you suspect someone has a concussion:
Can they answer simple questions with simple answers?
Are they repeating questions or statements?
Do they stare off in the distance?
Is it difficult to get their attention?
Do they have difficulty sitting up straight? Are they bent over or slouching in the seat in an untypical way?
Do they easily and without emotion take direction? (move to that seat, get out of the boat, etc. - "zombie-like")
Do they not finish their sentences?
Simply put, if you see someone hit hard (and that might just include a blow to the upper body as a whole), just keep an eye on them for a bit. If they seem to be acting odd (or odder than usual, I know wakeboarders
) then they probably have taken too hard a blow to their brain.
Great article Sean...}