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Concussions in basketball are a serious concern, especially in school basketball, where it is the second-highest cause of concussions in school sports. While the media and studies have covered and investigated concussions in sports like football, hockey, and soccer, basketball has not received the same level of attention. However, the risk of concussions in basketball is significant, with 189 concussions reported in the NBA from 1999 to 2018, and approximately 17 instances per season. Concussions can occur in basketball through body-to-body contact, such as setting hard screens, taking charges, hard falls, and whiplash injuries. The effects of concussions can be severe and long-lasting, impacting the athletes' health and performance, and emphasizing the need for proper diagnosis, treatment, and return-to-play protocols.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of concussions reported to the NBA from 1999 to 2018 | 189 |
| Concussion incidence in NBA players per season | 17 |
| Percentage of concussions in school basketball that result from collisions among athletes | 66% for boys, 50% for girls |
| Percentage of concussions in girls' basketball that resulted from colliding with another athlete | 51% |
| Percentage of emergency department visits for sports- and recreation-related TBIs and concussions among children under 17 | 70% |
| Percentage of emergency department visits for sports- and recreation-related TBIs and concussions among boys under 17 | 66% |
| Percentage of emergency department visits for sports- and recreation-related TBIs and concussions among girls under 17 | 34% |
| Percentage of concussions among girls in sports with the same rules, like soccer and basketball | Higher than boys |
| Percentage of athletes who returned to play in the season of injury | 88% |
| Median RTP (Return to Play) after injury | 7 days |
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What You'll Learn
Concussion incidence in the NBA
Concussion is a brain injury common to many sports, especially contact and collision sports. While American football, hockey, wrestling, and soccer athletes have a higher risk of getting a concussion, athletes in all sports may experience this injury. Concussions occur when there is a direct blow to the head, forceful rotation of the head and neck, or both. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Basketball, being a contact sport, is associated with a high number of concussions. In fact, it is the second-highest sport for concussions in schools, with only football surpassing it. Girls have a higher chance of experiencing sports-related concussions than boys in sports that use the same rules, like soccer and basketball.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has also seen its fair share of concussions. From 1999 to 2018, a total of 189 concussions were reported in the NBA, with a mean incidence of 9.7 concussions per season. This averages out to approximately 17 instances per season. The NBA's concussion policy (NBACP) was instituted in 2011, and since then, the number of reported concussions has increased significantly, in line with trends seen in other professional sports leagues.
The increase in reported concussions in the NBA may be due to several factors. One factor could be the increased awareness and recognition of concussions and their potential long-term effects. The NBA, like other professional sports leagues, has implemented protocols to guide return-to-play decisions after concussions. This may have led to a more conservative approach to managing concussions, resulting in an increase in reported cases. Additionally, the NBA's large sample size of years included in studies and the number of players and games played each season could contribute to the higher incidence of reported concussions.
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Concussion symptoms
Concussions are a brain injury common to many sports, especially contact and collision sports. Concussions occur when there is a direct blow to the head, forceful rotation of the head and neck, or both. They can also happen from falls, car accidents, or other traumatic events. While concussions in basketball have not been studied extensively, the sport is associated with a high number of concussions, especially in school basketball. Body-to-body contact, such as setting hard screens, taking charges, hard falls, and whiplash injuries, are all serious concerns for players.
In the case of children, it is important for parents or caregivers to monitor their behaviour and watch for any changes in how they act or feel. If their symptoms worsen, it is crucial to share this information with a healthcare provider. Some general danger signs in children that require immediate medical attention include a sudden inability to concentrate, especially on familiar topics or activities, uncontrollable crying, and a refusal to eat or nurse.
Post-concussion syndrome occurs in about 20% of cases, where symptoms persist for weeks or months after the initial injury. It can disrupt everyday activities and, if left untreated, can seriously affect daily life. Multiple concussions can also lead to permanent symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical evaluation and follow-up after a concussion and refrain from athletic activities until symptoms have resolved.
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Concussion diagnosis
Concussion is a traumatic brain injury induced by biomechanical forces. It is common in contact and collision sports, such as American football, hockey, wrestling, and soccer. Concussions can occur when there is a direct blow to the head, forceful rotation of the head and neck, or both. Symptoms of a concussion may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms may not appear immediately and can take minutes, hours, or even days to manifest.
Diagnosing a concussion typically involves a physical examination by a sports medicine physician or a doctor. They will ask the patient questions about their symptoms and perform tests to evaluate their memory, balance, strength, coordination, and reflexes. The physician may also conduct a neurological examination to check for signs of a more severe head injury. In many cases, imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be used to detect any bruising, swelling, or bleeding in the brain. However, concussions may not always show up on these scans, so doctors may also employ neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognition, memory, and emotional changes.
It is important to seek medical attention immediately if a concussion is suspected. Athletes should not return to sports activities on the same day as a concussion and should be evaluated by a medical professional before resuming their sport. Early diagnosis and proper management of a concussion are crucial to ensure the patient's safety and well-being.
There are also simple tests that non-healthcare professionals can perform to gather information and share it with a healthcare provider. These tests can include asking the patient questions about their symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea. It is important to note that only medical professionals can officially diagnose and treat concussions.
Concussion testing is a valuable tool for healthcare providers to diagnose and manage concussions. These tests can range from simple questionnaires to detailed computerized assessments that evaluate various brain functions, including attention, concentration, memory, balance, and coordination. Repeat concussion testing can also help monitor an individual's recovery progress after a head injury.
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Concussion treatment
Concussions are common injuries, especially among young athletes, and they can be scary, particularly when they happen to children. However, it's important to remember that most people recover from concussions without any long-term effects or complications. The recovery process can take a few weeks, and sometimes even a month or longer, so it's crucial not to rush it and to give your brain the time it needs to heal.
Treatment and Recovery from Concussion
Rest is the most critical aspect of treating a concussion, especially in the initial phase. This means taking a break from all intense physical activities, especially the sport or activity that caused the injury. Most people need a few days of little to no activity, but the recovery time can vary depending on the individual. It's important to listen to your body and give yourself the time you need to heal. During the first 24 hours, it's recommended to avoid medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen sodium (Naprosyn, Aleve). Instead, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used for pain relief during this initial period. After the first 24 hours, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are generally safe and more effective for pain management.
During the recovery phase, it is common for symptoms to worsen with increased thinking and physical activity. Exposure to bright lights, loud sounds, and movement may also exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to limit or avoid activities that worsen these symptoms. As you start to feel better, you can gradually reintroduce activities, starting with light exercises and gradually increasing the intensity over time. It's important to monitor your progress closely during this process and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Throughout your recovery, getting restful sleep is crucial. If you experience difficulty sleeping, discuss this with your doctor, as they can provide recommendations and techniques to improve your sleep. Staying hydrated by drinking 60-80 ounces of water or non-caffeinated beverages per day and maintaining a normal eating routine are also important aspects of the recovery process.
While most concussions do not result in permanent brain damage, multiple concussions over a lifetime can lead to severe complications and increase the risk of developing serious health conditions. Therefore, it is vital to take the time needed for proper recovery and seek appropriate medical attention.
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Concussion prevention
Concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can have devastating consequences on a person's health and quality of life. It is a common injury in sports, especially contact and collision sports, and athletes in all sports may experience this injury. Concussions occur when there is a direct blow to the head, forceful rotation of the head and neck, or both. While equipment like helmets and mouth guards can prevent other injuries, they do not guarantee protection from concussions. However, they can significantly reduce the severity of head injuries.
Education and Awareness
Educating athletes, coaches, and parents about concussions is crucial for prevention. Athletes, coaches, and parents should be aware of the risks and be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of concussions. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, irritability, confusion, memory problems, sensitivity to light and noise, and changes in mood or behavior. Educating all parties empowers them to take proactive measures, report symptoms promptly, and ensure timely treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers free online training called HEADS UP to Youth Sports, which focuses on concussion awareness, recognition, and prevention.
Safe Play Practices
Safe play practices and proper techniques can minimize the risk of head injuries. Coaches should teach athletes the proper techniques for their sport, emphasizing safe practices. For example, basketball players should be discouraged from hitting other players in the head or using their heads to make contact. Coaches should enforce safety rules and regulations and penalize unsafe behavior to deter dangerous play. Reducing the amount of contact in practice can also lower the risk of concussions.
Protective Gear
While protective gear like helmets and mouth guards does not guarantee concussion prevention, it is essential in minimizing the risk and reducing the severity of head injuries. Ensure that athletes are wearing appropriate and well-maintained protective gear that fits correctly.
Strength and Conditioning
Strengthening neck and core muscles can enhance stability and reduce concussion risk. Neck and upper body strengthening exercises are important as they can protect and stabilize the head and neck, reducing the risk of serious head blows. A strong neck may help the head avoid quick, uncontrolled motions during an accident, thus reducing concussion risk.
Remove Tripping Hazards
To prevent concussions, it is important to remove tripping hazards from the playing area and pad any potential impact surfaces, such as gym walls or goalposts. This minimizes the risk of falls and head impacts.
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Frequently asked questions
A study published in 2019 noted that there were 189 concussions reported to the NBA from 1999 to 2018, with an incidence of approximately 17 instances per season.
The NBA concussion policy (NBACP), enacted before the 2011-2012 season, defines a concussion as a traumatic brain injury induced by biomechanical forces. The policy is based on preseason education, annual baseline testing, acute evaluation, management, and a structured return-to-play (RTP) process. Under the protocol, any NBA player suspected of a concussion must leave the game and undergo a neurological evaluation.
The NBA has implemented protocols to guide return-to-play after concussions. Multiple concussions may cause permanent symptoms, so treatment involves close medical follow-up and rest. Studies report that concussion symptoms improve in 80-90% of athletes within seven days of the injury.
