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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



 Implement a concussion management plan in your school district...

Step 1: Develop safe concussion management guidelines

  • Remove the athlete from play immediately if a concussion is suspected and do not allow the athlete to return to play that day, or at any time until they have written clearance from a medical professional. Concussion symptoms can take time to appear, sometimes hours or days after the injury occurs.                                                                                                           computers

  • Require written medical authorization before allowing the athlete to participate in practice or games ...from a qualified medical professional and ensure that they are 100% symptom free at rest and during exertion (see below). 

  • Follow the international graduated return-to-play guidelines After the athlete receives medical clearance to return-to-play and is 100% symptom-free at rest, it is important that they return to play using gradual return-to-play guidelines.  If symptoms return during exertion, their brains need more time to heal. 

Step 2: Develop a concussion education plan

            CDC's Heads Up: Concussion in Sports

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has free   materials for coaches, parents, and athletes that can be ordered or downloaded

    
CDC schools

CDC's Heads Up to Schools: Know Your Concussion ABC's

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a comprehensive guide for school personnel.  Materials are free and many can be ordered or downloaded

CDC ABC

 

Washington State's concussion law, known as the Zackery Lystedt Law, became effective in July 2009. These resources provided by the WA Interscholastic Activities Assoc (WIAA), are now utilized by state school districts and non-profit sports organizations and can be used as a guide for any school district:

          

 

Step 3: Make sure to educate all involved

  • Coaches need to replace “bell rung” or “ding” with the words “brain injury.” And they should fully understand that if they return a player to the game before their brain has healed, it can lead to a prolonged recovery, or worse. Then they need to pass that knowledge on to their team.

  • Athletes should be encouraged to speak up about their own symptoms and feel comfortable enough to tell an adult if their teammates are acting abnormally during practice or the big game. Not being able to remember your locker combination isn’t funny…it’s a brain injury.computers

  • Parents need to learn how to recognize the sometimes subtle signs that can be indicative of concussions. These symptoms can appear days or weeks after the injury. No athlete should return to play until they are 100% symptom-free at rest and during exertion, and a medical professional has determined it’s safe.

  • School district personnel may be the first to notice that something is awry. A normally diligent student who can’t seem to concentrate in class or who no longer turns in assignments, or a school nurse who notices other signs. (school nurse info coming soon)

Step 4: Consider hiring an athletic trainer

 
  • Athletic trainers save lives...and they are vital to the health and safety of your student-athletes. Don't underestimate the value these highly trained professionals bring to your athletic program. They’re one of the most important members of your team.  Learn more

Step 5: Consider neuropsychological testingComputers

  • ... is a good idea under the right circumstances. Computerized neuropsychological testing before an injury occurs can provide valuable information that could help determine a return-to-play schedule for an injured athlete. Many school districts offer this testing to their athletes free of charge through booster clubs or other sources. There are several companies who offer this product: ImPACT, Axon Sports, and HeadMinderAfter a head injury, before returning to play, an athlete will be re-tested to see if their results match their pre-injury performance. This information provides trained medical professionals with another tool for diagnosing concussion recovery.  However, this is only one part of the return-to-play decision.

 

 
   

Youth Sports Concussion - Prevention, Diagnosis, News

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