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SportsConcussions.org's
latest concussion news:
Bruins' Savard returns to the ice and a standing ovation after March concussion

Minnesota Wild Bouchard cleared to play Wed after March 2009 concussion, missed 112 games

NCAA hoops star Nored out with concussion after hitting opponent's head, may not make Duke this Sat

Alabama QB McElroy out with concussion in loss to Auburn, second head injury since Oct

Colts receiver Collie suffers another concussion on his first game back 2 weeks after the last one; doctors take his helmet

American Academy of Neurology: Concussed athletes should see a specialist before returning to play


Mayo Clinic Hockey Summit recommendations include ban on all hits to the head at all levels

Army identifies blood protein marker which may help identify brain injuries including concussions

 
What becomes of athletes who suffer concussions when young?


Scott Laker

Ask Dr. Scott Laker:
Seattle Sports Concussion Program

Why are girls more at risk for concussion than boys, statistically speaking?

  Dr. Laker's answer

 
submit question


NFL toughens stance on concussions, acknowledging long-term risks and life-changing potential
 

Recently released NFL helmet-impact test results should not be applied to collegiate, high school or youth helmets

NFL considers changes to camps and practices to limit concussions; concerned about sub-concussive hits

NCAA makes 3-man wedge illegal this year hoping to reduce concussions, same as NFL

Tennessee tightens concussion policies for coming school year

Study suggests athletes may need even more time after concussion to fully heal

NJ female teen athlete suffered 15 concussions now struggles daily

DC MLS star Namoff suspends career due to lingering symptoms from concussion suffered Sept 09

MLB All-Star players choosing reinforced helmets to reduce head injuries

Neuroplasticity: can our brains grow, change, and heal themselves at any age?

Emergency room visits for kids with head injuries increased 43% in the last five years

LaPorta passes neuropsychological test but doctors don't allow him to return to play

Indians LaPorta shows no sign of concussion after on-field collision and CT scan

High school softball adds concussion rule

Pro soccer player Twellman ends season due to symptoms from concussion suffered 2 years ago

Former Bengals receiver who died of unrelated causes showed signs of trauma-related brain damage at age 26

Pirates players collide leaving second baseman unconscious; out for series with concussion

Study shows most parents unaware of their local school's concussion policies

Six-yr-old sustains concussion attempting flip off diving board

Quebec bans bodychecking in youth hockey and reduces concussions significantly

Pro hockey player suffers post-concussion syndrome, symptoms originally confused with flu

Canadian amateur football association implements concussion rules to protect all amateur players

Neck muscle strength plays a role in concussion prevention

ESPN's  Preston Plevetes' concussion story, former La Salle football player

Zackery Lystedt inspired WA State's concussion law, the Lystedt Law

Eagles wide receiver felt pressured by asst coach to return after concussion last season

Concussion Basics
 

Air Force Academy basketball player plaqued by headaches since Nov. concussion, hopes new medication helps

Are headguards the answer for soccer players?  Some athletes and coaches in ME believe so


Head U Concussions



Parents: if you think your child has suffered a concussion

Remove them from game/practice immediately

Seek medical attention; don't try to judge the severity of the injury yourself

Physical and cognitive rest is key

At home: watch closely

Review the signs and symptoms of a concussion, and keep in mind that some symptoms may not appear right away...in fact they may not be apparent for hours or even days. Don’t try to assess the severity of the injury yourself as concussions can be very unpredictable.  A medical professional will be able to decide how serious the injury is and how to manage the return-to-play decision. Make sure your child is evaluated by someone who is experienced in the diagnosis and management of  concussions- it's important to inquire.  Take the Acute Concussion Evaluation (ACE) Physician Form (developed by our own Dr. Gerard Gioia and his colleague Dr. Mickey Collins) with you to the doctor to ensure a thorough evaluation.

           Signs reported by observers                                    Symptoms reported by athlete 

  • Appears dazed or stunned
  • Is confused about assignment or position
  • Forgets an instruction
  • Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
  • Moves clumsily
  • Answers questions slowly
  • Loses consciousness (even briefly)
  • Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
  • Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
  • Can’t recall events after hit or fall
  • Headache or “pressure” in head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Balance problems or dizziness
  • Double or blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensitivity to noise
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
  • Concentration or memory problems
  • Confusion
  • Does not “feel right” or is “feeling down”
   
         

Call for emergency help if...

 Most concussions do not result in emergency care.  However, if symptoms worsen, you notice behavioral changes or any of the following, seek care urgently:

  • headaches that worsen

  • seizures

  • neck pain

  • very drowsy, can't be awakened

  • repeated vomiting

  • increasing confusion or irritability

  • weakness, numbness in arms and legs

  • unable to recognize people/places, less responsive than usual

     If you observe any of the above signs, call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately

     Source:  ACE Post-Concussion Home/School Instructions  Children's National Medical Center, Washington DC

                        

  Keep them out of play...

Until their brain has fully healed

Knowing when a concussion, or brain injury, has fully healed is difficult.  The return-to-play decision is a medical decision, period.  A coach, parent, or any other well-meaning person typically does not have the skill and/or experience required to decide when the athlete's brain has healed.  While the majority of concussions do heal within a few weeks, it's important to know that re-injuring a brain before a previous injury has completely resolved can have catastrophic consequences.  A rare complication called second impact syndrome can be fatal.  At best, multiple concussions within a short period of time can lead to a prolonged recovery of weeks, months, or years.  The return-to-play decision is one of the most critical decisions your health care provider will make.

Head U Concussions                                        The CDC's "Heads Up" campaign
                                        has downloadable materials for:

                                                                parents                athletes  

                                                               coaches               schools  



For further information visit: www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports





 


Youth Sports Concussion - Prevention, Diagnosis, News

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