Concussion Awareness

Concussion Refresher Fact Sheet

USA LAX Concussion Fact Sheet

CONCUSSION

AWARENESS, EDUCATION & BASELINE TESTING

Every year, players of all ages in all sports receive concussion injuries during games and practice. Characterized by an impairment of the brain’s normal function and caused by violent shaking or jarring of the brain, concussions may cause alterations in cognitive function, vision, eye movement, facial movement, or speech. Contrary to popular belief, no helmet in any sport can prevent a concussion

The study and treatment of concussions in athletes has received significant attention in recent years. A revitalized interest in concussion management is taking place in the fields of neurology and neurosurgery

Concussions can happen to any athlete—male or female—in any sport. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), caused by a blow or jolt to the head that can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. More than 300,000 people sustain sports- and recreation-related TBIs every year in this country. Coaches, athletic directors, trainers and parents play a key role in helping to prevent concussion and in managing it properly if it occurs.

U.S. Lacrosse, the national governing body for lacrosse, has made concussion awareness, education and prevention a high priority.   A link to U.S. Lacrosse’s concussion awareness site is below.

Baseline testing is one means for detecting concussions.  Baseline testing consists of a series of timed activities that measure multiple aspects of cognitive functioning including a variety of visual and auditory tasks as well as reaction time. The testing can be done at home on-line through a secured website. The testing, which continues to be used extensively by the NFL, the NHL, and NCAA organizations, has also been adopted by more than 900 high schools. Safety always comes first, and with baseline testing we can take a big step towards ensuring that objective for all players. Contact one of the health services providers below to learn more about baseline testing or to arrange a baseline test for your son.

For more information on concussions, please visit the links below:

USA Lacrosse: Concussion Awareness

Saint Clare’s Health: Sports Medicine & Concussion Rehabilitation

Atlantic Health System: Concussions