Have you ever shaken your head to check for any injuries after a strong impact? This movement, known as a “shake,” can actually be a significant indicator of concussions. Surprisingly, it has never been formally studied or recognized as a symptom of concussion.
A recent study conducted by researchers from Boston University School of Medicine surveyed 347 American and Canadian athletes aged 18 to 29. These athletes watched a video of a voluntary headshake after an impact, known as SHAAKE, and were asked about their experiences.
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According to a publication in diagnosis, 69% of the athletes reported experiencing a headshake at least once, with 93% attributing it to a concussion.
“About three-quarters of the athletes we studied had a headshake due to a concussion,” stated Dr. Dan Daneshvar, a Harvard Medical School graduate.
The study further investigated why SHAAKE occurs, with 25% of athletes mentioning feeling disoriented or confused after the impact, and 23% feeling the need to “activate” their brains.
The shaking typically begins within seconds or minutes of the impact, involving rapid side-to-side head rotations. These movements were identified as concussion symptoms in September 2022, after an incident involving Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
If recognized earlier, the headshake could have led to a quicker concussion diagnosis for Tua, potentially preventing further injuries in subsequent games.
“Many concussions go unreported by athletes because they may not realize they have one or fear being sidelined from the game,” noted Dr. Robert Cantu, co-author.
The next time you experience a significant impact, remember that shaking your head could be a sign of a concussion.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
