Concussion is an alteration of consciousness, disturbance in
vision and equilibrium caused by a direct blow to the head, rapid acceleration and/or
deceleration of the head, or direct blow to the base of the skull from a vertical impact
to the chin.
Levels of Concussion
- Asymptomatic- No headache, dizziness or impaired
orientation, concentration or memory during rest or exertion.
- Mild (level 1) - No loss of
consciousness and Post traumatic amnesia (PTA) less than 30 minutes.
- Moderate (level 2) - Loss of
consciousness less than 5 minutes or PTA greater the 30 minutes.
- Severe (level 3) - Loss of
consciousness greater than 5 minutes or PTA greater than 24 hours.
Symptoms of Concussion
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Facial pain
- Dizziness
- Impaired speech
During sporting events, blows are continuously being given to the
chin (jaw). When a heavy blow is delivered to the chin, the force goes up the lower jaw
into the jaw joint, at this level the forces are transmitted to major nerves exiting the
base of the brain, blood supplies to the brain, as well as the balance center located near
the jaw joint. The end result is this force can leave the athlete with one of the
concussive levels and symptoms listed above.
Scientific studies and practical experience time and again have
demonstrated the effectiveness of mouthguards in preventing facial and dental injuries and
especially the prevention of concussion.
Custom mouthguards are prescribed and made by a dentist. They
should be of uniform thickness and very importantly both separate the teeth (prevention of
dental injuries) and separate the lower jaw from the base of the skull (prevention of
concussion).
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Without mouthguard the lower jaw in contact with the base of skull. |
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With mouthguard in place the lower jaw is separated from the base of skull.
(Green arrow represents blow to chin) |
Of all sports, it is especially important to wear a mouthguard
while participating in football. Often it is the quarterback that wears a mouthguard the
least because of interference with speech, as a result he usually receives the most
concussions from blows to the chin
[Types of Athletic Mouthguards]
