Heading Off Concussions

As fall draws near, high school and college sports practices are now in full swing with many games set to begin this weekend. As a parent, sending your child out onto the field can always be a little frightening but educating my children and myself on sports-related injuries, such as concussions, has helped ease my fears.

According to the CDC, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth.

The best defense against concussion is education. I encourage young athletes, parents and coaches to familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of concussion. Other important steps include:

• Always wear protective gear that fits correctly.
• Check for a concussion policy with your school or league.
• Athletes need to be upfront if they are experiencing concussion symptoms and be removed from play.
• Prior to practices, ask about baseline testing for athletes. These tests allow for medical professionals to assess brain function before and after a concussion.

As a parent, if you suspect your child has suffered a sports-related concussion, remove them from play and consult a medical professional. The doctor will inform you of a return to play timeline based on your child’s symptoms.

Stay healthy and have fun on the field this year!