Often when we hear about a knockout or a concussion, they are generally not used correctly. It is important to know that they are NOT one in the same. Especially as a fighter, you have to understand that they should not be used interchangeably and that they are actually very different. First of all, it is very important to remember that you should not be the one to diagnose your head injury. If you hurt yourself with a punch, you should consult a doctor without hesitation. Remember that just because you weren’t knocked unconscious doesn’t mean you’re not injured. That said, let’s look at the difference between the two.
What is a knockout?
Obviously, a knockout is mostly used when it comes to boxing and a boxing match, and is when one of the fighters goes down and doesn’t get up before the referees’ count is over. Just because he was knocked out doesn’t mean he suffered a serious brain injury; however, a knockout is caused by movement of the skull from the blow the wrestler received. It is the inertia of the brain that causes it to hit against the inside of the skull, near the base of the skull. Affected brain areas include the cerebellum and brainstem where, when struck against the skull, they cause loss of motor control or loss of consciousness.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is different from a knockout because it is not always associated with loss of consciousness. It also involves a different part of the brain, specifically towards the top of the spinal cord. Basically, a concussion can damage the “wires” that the brain is connected to, and it does so by reducing the efficiency with which signals travel. It is possible to withstand a concussion without becoming unconscious. After a concussion due to its severity, boxers will often be asked to refrain from boxing for at least thirty days.
Being conscious
As a boxer and fighter, it is crucial to know your injury and therefore to know the difference between a knockout and a concussion. In boxing, he may or may not sustain any of these injuries, but in the meantime, he should also make sure to wear protective gear when he is fighting or practicing. Just because you get hit hard on the head doesn’t mean you’re tough. It is dangerous and can put you at risk of a life-threatening injury.
