Concussions at Mardi Gras: Expert Tips for Protecting Yourself

In New Orleans, Mardi Gras is the most festive time of the year. The parades, food, festivities and laid-back atmosphere all make for a good time.

Unfortunately, many of the things that make Mardi Gras great – including overindulgence with libations at parties and scrambling to catch one of the coveted parade throws -- can also lead to injury. A not-so-uncommon injury during this time is a concussion incurred from a trip or fall, a tumble off a float or a head injury sustained during a mad dash for that shiny pair of beads.

How can you avoid head injuries at Mardi Gras?

Below are some tips to avoid a head injury that can lead to a concussion and stay safe during Carnival season:

Know your surroundings

The curb between the neutral ground and the street can be a tripping hazard. When your eyes on are the prize -- like a Zulu coconut or a pair of Iris sunglasses -- make sure you are aware of the different ground levels on the parade route. This promotes solid footing that can help you keep your balance.

Don’t overconsume alcohol

Alcohol is a known suppressant of the central nervous system, including the mechanism that maintains balance within the brain and inner ear. Avoid drinking beyond your limits to avoid a dangerous accident.

Be aware of crowds

To avoid a concussion during Carnival season, be aware of crowds. If you are a Mardi Gras veteran, allow the rookies to scramble for the beads on the ground and conserve your energy for the more desirable throws.

What to do if you suffer a head injury

Should you sustain a head injury during Carnival season, it is important to alert those celebrating with you of the injury so they can monitor your overall mental and physical state and, if necessary, help you maintain consciousness.

If you lose consciousness, have difficulty in maintaining alertness and/or experience other, common more severe, concussion-related symptoms such as weakness, slurred speech, confusion, nausea, vomiting, light/sound sensitivity, severe headache, or trouble maintaining balance, leaving the parades and obtaining an evaluation at an urgent care or emergency facility is strongly encouraged. Trying to tough it out staying on the parade route can make your symptoms worse and even prolong recovery time.

If someone has been cleared from a more life-threatening injury (such as a skull fracture or brain bleed) and they’re sent home from the emergency room, they should rest for the first 24-48 hours.

Limitation of physical and cognitive stressors to regular activities of daily living – as long as those activities do not exacerbate symptoms – is key. Most often, concussion symptoms persist upwards of 10-14 days before full resolution. However, they can have a varied trajectory of improvement throughout that time.

Concussion symptoms can include:

• Cognitive slowing
• Emotional distress
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Sleep disturbance
• Lack of energy
• Sensitivity to light and noise

If the symptoms persist or are intolerable, it is highly recommended to seek help from a physician who is well versed in concussion signs and treatment. Having a history of prior concussions, migraines, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, attention deficient disorder or a learning disability can be some of the factors that will may prolong concussion symptoms.

Have a safe Mardi Gras season and laissez les bon temps rouler!