NY Yankees Catcher Jorge Pasada

Good news was reported in the New York Daily News; Jorge Posada, catcher for the New York Yankees, has been cleared of a concussion.  He was hit in the head by a foul ball on Tuesday night and sources said he was exhibiting concussion-like symptoms.  He was sent to Columbia Presbyterian where doctors cleared him of a concussion.

“Whenever an athlete suffers a significant blow to the head, and particularly when they develop any persisting symptoms or neurological signs, they should be seen right away,” advises Dr. Guy McKhann from the Department of Neurosurgery.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury and can occur with a hit to the head or even strong sudden jarring of the head.  Signs of a concussion include: loss of consciousness, loss of memory, confusion, headache, loss of balance, or ringing in the ears among others.

Dr. McKhann says, “A concussion can be a relatively minor brain injury and symptoms most commonly subside within a few days to weeks.  However, there is significant risk of more permanent damage with repeat injury soon after a concussion.  Also, in the case of baseball, where the ball can reach such high velocity, it is imperative that the athlete see a doctor to make sure there isn’t a more serious injury.”