For years, myths have gone around about concussions.  Cracking those myths and knowing what’s right will prevent dangerous problems and knowing what to do when experiencing a concussion.

An assumption about a concussions is they only occur when someone takes a blow to the head. This assumption is incorrect.

“While concussions happen most commonly from a hit to the head, they can also occur from a hit to the body, or whiplash.” Becca Feuerherd, athletic trainer said.

“Unfortunately there is no helmet that can prevent concussions. Helmets are designed to absorb forces and prevent skull fractures,” Feuerherd said on the myth that well-fitting helmets prevent concussions in contact sports.

Many people expect to not be able to play sports after experiencing a certain amount of concussions.

“Under the correct medical direction, if a person takes time to properly and fully recover from a concussion, most are able to return to their desired sport,” Brynelle Bremner said, head athletic trainer for Wilsonville High School.

There is an incorrect assumption that adults are more prone to concussions than kids.

“In adults, the most common cause of concussions are car accidents,” Feuerherd said. “Children are more likely to get a concussion from sport-related accidents, and children tend to have longer duration symptoms and take longer to heal.” 

Another myth is that many people think concussions aren’t that serious. Concussions are actually a big deal.

“In young athletes, a condition known as second-impact syndrome can become fatal,” Feuerherd said.

Second-impact syndrome occurs when you receive a second concussion before completely healing from the original injury.

So next time you are out on the field, or think your concussion is only “minor” think about what could happen next.