Getting pegged in the head with a soccer ball wasn't exactly what I had planned when I coerced three of my best friends into accompanying me to the RU Men's soccer game against Virginia Tech on Tuesday night. But that's exactly what I got.  There I was, leaving the game with about a minute left on the time clock (it wasn't like Tech was going to score 3 goals in a minute if they hadn't scored all game), when I heard a collective gasp.  I hit the ground, and then felt the imprint of the ball on the right side of my head.  Yes, folks, "that girl" who got knocked down at the game was yours truly.  

I learned during my little trip to the student health center in Moffett that I do, in fact, have a mild concussion (as was evidenced by my bitchuva headache and blurry vision).  Not knowing much about head injuries, I straight away consulted on the subject with my best friend, the queen of random knowledge, Amanda Hoffer.  Below, she will school everyone on the intricates of head injuries: how to recognize them, and what to do (or not do) if you think you have one.

First, there are two basic types of head trauma. Open, which are indicated by an open head wound; and closed, which has no obvious signs of injury. With an open injury you will have obivous signs including the wound, such bruising of the soft tissues of the head, possible oozing of a straw-colored fluid and blurred vision. A closed injury has less overt signs. With a closed injury signs include headache, unequal pupils, blurred or double vision, nausea and/or vomiting, confusion, restlessness, irraitablity, loss of consciousness, and altered or strained breathing. If the victim is exhibiting any of these signs they need to be treated with special care. Treat all concussion victims as if they are unconscious, even if they aren't. Keep the person calm and warm. Watch for signs of shock, which include a weak and rapid pulse, cold or clammy skin, dilated pupils, abnormally anxious behavior, nausea, thirst, faintness and/or weakness. In addition, help the person maintain normal breathing. Most importantly seek medical attention. Failing to do so could result in permanent damage including death.