PHOTO PROVIDED BY LAUREL MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT

It’s finally cold enough to take part in the winter sports you’ve been dreaming about all summer, but before you strap on a snowboard or step into a pair of skis, don’t forget to protect your noggin. 

January is National Winter Sports Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. According to the Defense Health Agency, more than 50% of concussions related to extreme sports occur while snow skiing or snowboarding.

Head injuries happen when external force impacts the brain, like in a fall or if a blunt object hits you in the head. Moderate and severe concussions due to a car accident or other serious brain injury cause more trauma to the brain, such as bleeding.

Concussions also occur when the brain receives a vigorous shaking that can bruise the brain — and that doesn’t necessary mean getting a bump on the head, says Dr. Marco Alcala, a sports medicine physician and concussion specialist who serves as the director of Sports Medicine at the Allegheny Health Network Pediatric Orthopaedic Institute in Wexford.

“You don’t have to hit your head,” Alcala says. “You can fall on your tailbone like when you’re skiing. And when you land on your tailbone aggressively, your body transmits that energy to the head and causes a vigorous shaking, and that, too, can cause [a concussion]. So again, the misconception that you have to hit your head is false.” 

Concussion Symptoms 

According to AHN, symptoms of a concussion may include:

• Blurred vision
• Confusion or mental fog
• Difficulty remembering events that led up to the injury
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or “seeing stars”
• Headache or feeling pressure in your head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Temporary loss of consciousness

People may experience concussions differently. They may not have symptoms right away, or they may come and go.

“Each part of the brain has different symptoms that people can display — and no concussion is the same for every single person,” Alcala adds. 

Preventing Injuries 

One of the easiest ways to avoid a brain injury is to wear protective gear while skiing, snowboarding, playing ice hockey or taking part in any other sports where you’re likely to fall or get hit with a hard object. 

Wearing a helmet minimizes brain impact and can drastically reduce your risk of a TBI, according to The National Public Health Information Coalition. Just make sure your helmet fits snugly and covers your head, and don’t forget to check for an ASTM certification to ensure it’s been tested for effectiveness. Another perk? Helmets keep your head and ears warmer than wool caps when navigating the slopes.

Another key part of prevention is being mindful of your surroundings, such as being aware of other skiers or players in the area who could crash into you, Alcala says. “I think being aware and being ready for impact is very helpful as well.” 

Other methods of prevention are strengthening the neck muscles and staying hydrated. 

“Make sure you have a good cushion of fluid in your brain,” he says.  

Treating a Concussion 

If you think you’ve suffered a head injury, one of the first steps is to immediately get checked out by a physician, who can guide the next steps in your recovery. 

The most common treatment for concussions is plenty of rest. You may need to limit physical activity and give yourself breaks throughout the day. Alcala says one of the most important steps in healing is to give your brain a rest at the first sign of symptoms, such as eye strain, headaches, forgetfulness or dizziness. 

Failing to do so may result in worsening symptoms that are harder to treat, or lead to recurrent concussions. 

“The more blows people get, the longer it takes them to recover,” Alcala says. “By teaching people to pause at the right time, they can feel good all day long.”

Other concussion treatments may include medication for headaches and dizziness, occupational therapy, speech therapy, vestibular therapy and cognitive therapy.

“The treatments that are most effective for you depend on your symptoms and how they affect your everyday activities,” Alcala says. “We individualize our care to you.”