On Tuesday, the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands hosted a webinar on traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) featuring Dr. Mary “Mitzi” Payne, a visiting neurologist to the Virgin Islands and professor at Marshall University.
During the webinar, Payne provided valuable insights on the signs and symptoms of concussions, how to effectively treat and manage them, and what life can look like after a brain injury.
While perhaps not surprising, Payne highlighted the substantial impact of sports injuries on TBIs, noting they are the second leading cause of TBIs among athletes 15-24 years old, following closely behind motor vehicle accidents. She emphasized, “Concussions represent nearly nine percent of all high school sports injuries and nearly six percent of all collegiate sports injuries.” With 40 percent of athletes returning to sports prematurely after a TBI, this statistic highlights the pressing need for improved education and awareness in sports communities like the Virgin Islands, which promotes more physical activities.
Among other points emphasized was the misconception that concussions always involve a loss of consciousness. She explained, “Often, there is an assumption that a concussion goes hand in hand with a loss of consciousness, but in reality, loss of consciousness occurs in only about 10 percent of concussion cases.”
Payne also discussed some acute-phase symptoms of concussions, which include headaches, nausea/vomiting, balance problems, and emotional changes. She highlighted the importance of recognizing these symptoms early and seeking medical attention promptly.
During the webinar, distinguishing characteristics that may indicate a more severe TBI were highlighted, such as loss of consciousness for more than 30 seconds, retrograde amnesia, focal neurologic deficit, worsening symptoms, and seizures. The importance of understanding these indicators and taking appropriate action to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients was highlighted.
