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 What
Is A Concussion?
Mild concussions may go unnoticed by coaches and teammates - even by the athletes
themselves. A concussion is traumatic injury to the brain. It can cause immediate
impairment of functions including vision, thought, consciousness and balance,
and even more serious permanent damage such as memory loss and depression.
For every concussion you get, you are FOUR TIMES more susceptible to get another!
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More - High School Stats
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More - College Stats
Causes of a Concussion
Impact to the Jaw: If there is not adequate cushioning of the jawbones,
they can be pushed into the base of the skull and even the brain cavity. This
dangerous blow can disrupt brain function and activity causing a concussion as
well as other skull damage.
Forceful Blow to the Head: A concussion can take place when suffering
a forceful blow to the head. When this happens, the head accelerates rapidly
and is then suddenly stopped. Although head movement has halted, the brain, which
is floating in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), is shaken and hits the interior skull
wall.
Shaking: When the skull is moved vigorously or shaken side to side, the
head moves rapidly and the brain, floating in CSF collides repeatedly into the
skull walls. This constant repetitive motion can cause serious disorientation
and brain injury.
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
Symptoms reported by concussion sufferers include:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Migraine headaches
- Vision problems
- Lack of balance or dizziness
- Nausea
- Light and sound sensitivity
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- Sluggishness
- Depression
- Irritability
- Memory problems
- Sleep pattern changes
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Aids in Concussion Prevention
To help reduce the chances of suffering from a concussion, it is important to
always wear a Maher product while participating in sports. The implementation
of this properly-fitted mouth guard with the prescribed thickness separates the
mandible (lower jaw) from the maxilla (upper jaw). This limits the chance of
obtaining a concussion via a direct blow to the jaw. This, as well as wearing
properly fitted protective head gear and chin straps allows for the utmost protection
from dangerous head trauma.
Long-Term Affects
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, more than 2 million
people will suffer a concussion this year. Many occur on athletic playing fields.
It's important to know a concussion is a brain injury. These injuries lead to
an estimated 80,000 cases of long-term disability each year and claim nearly
50,000 lives.
- Concussions are known to be cumulative. That is, for every concussion you
get, you are FOUR TIMES more susceptible to get another!
- Also, repeated concussions can lead to long-term memory loss, psychiatric
disorders, and other neurological problems.
- If you have had a number of concussions, your physician likely will advise
you to avoid the activities that may put you at risk for future head injuries
and to discontinue contact sports. Professional boxers and football players
are particularly prone to the effects of cumulative concussions.
Long term effects:
Persistent low grade headache
Lightheadedness
Poor attention and concentration
Memory dysfunction
Excessive sleepiness or easy fatigue
Irritability (low frustration tolerance)
Intolerance to bright light (difficulty focusing vision)
Intolerance to loud noise, ringing in the ears
Anxiety and depression
No athlete should return to play while still demonstrating any signs
or symptoms of concussion at rest or with exertion (i.e., exercising).
Read
More >>
Febraury 2006 "ESPN Feature Story" click to read.
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Athletes involved in the
following sports are
advised to wear. Either the B-Protect Splint or Maher Intact Mouth Guard:
 Football
Hockey
Lacrosse
Basketball
Bicycling
Boxing
Martial Arts
Rugby
Soccer
Weight training
Wrestling
Our product is recommended for use with other head and mouth protection devices, such as a football helmet.
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