Winter Sports: How To Prevent Traumatic Brain Injuries?

India is well known for its highest peak and big mountain ranges and in these areas winter sports are very popular. Now winter sports have become a great way to have fun and adventure. Some of the popular winter sports in India are Skiing, snowmobiling, mountain biking and motocross. Fittingly, January is National Winter Sports Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month, so before you dust off the skates or head up the ski-lift, here is a breakdown of what one should know and take steps to prevent some of these brain injuries during winter sports. Especially youngster today plan various trips and treks to enjoy the winter sports but they often forget to take corrective precautions while participating in the sports.

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Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury. This injury is caused due to a traumatic force to the head. It can be caused due to hitting something severely, blow to the head or falling. These forces can damage a person’s brain cells and cause chemical changes in the brain. If the injured person experiences dizziness loses consciousness or have blurry visions one should immediately consult the doctor and get done a CT scan or MRI test. 

Coup-Contrecoup is a type of injury which occurs when the persons head jerks forcefully or violently to an object or due to a fall. Because of the sudden movement of the head can cause the brain to slam into the interior of the skull. Coup-Contrecoup causes contusions at the site of impact and on the opposite side of the head, where the brain bumps into the skull.

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Prevention

• Wearing a Helmet is vital while playing winter sports like skiing, snowboarding or motorsports in mountains which accounts for several concussions accidents. 
• One must know and stay in the limited marked boundaries on the slopes and watch out for obstacles and hazardous conditions during playing winter sports.
• Participate in these activities only if medical care is available. If you are performing these activities in remote areas then you should make sure that medical care is not far away.
• Seek medical attention if there is any question that you might have suffered a traumatic brain injury, no matter how minor it might seem.
• The ability to detect and deal with a TBI is enhanced when everyone on the slope or ice is looking out for the safety of the athletes. Education should include athletes, participating, coaches, administrators, and parents.

(Inputs By Dr Akshay Deodhar, in-Charge, Accident & Emergency Department, Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital)

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