MANAGEMENT OF CONCUSSIONS

BRAINKNOCK

If a player is described as getting their "brainknocked," suffering from "chin music," or having their "bell rung," they've most likely suffered a concussion. There is no such thing as a mild concussion.

While hockey players are known for their tuff-it-out attitude playing with injuries, being tuff means not playing when it comes to concussions. A misdiagnosis, or denial of a primary concussion can be deadly. Even an MRI scan can miss a concussion. Trainers must assess and treat each player by concussion guidelines. The most important one is not playing after incurring a knock to the brain.

The cumulative effects of repeated concussions are known to cause neuropsychological and neuroanatomical damage. With over 100,000 non- professional athletes suffering from TBI, traumatic brain injury yearly, the president of the American Academy of Neurology wrote, "The most serious overlooked problem facing both amateur and professional sports is concussion."

Mind-boggling but true, the consensus among NCAA division 1 college coaches is head gear worn to safeguard the brain makes players feel invincible. Could headgear create a more physically reckless game on the ice? Polystyrene on the brain is meant to be a deterrent to head injuries. Helmet manufacturers don't claim 100% protection from violent hits when the brain is jarred inside the skull. The after effects of concussions wear on past the effects of fractures and soft tissue damage. Brains can't wear bandages or crutches. Nerve cell fibers bend and die which can result in confusion, lack of coordination, and more seriously amnesia, loss of consciousness and death.

There are varying degrees of concussions classified as grade 1, 2, and 3 by the American Academy of Neurology. After a first concussion, and even after repeated concussions, or SIS (second injury syndrome) an athlete needs to follow the guidelines of restraint before he resumes play again. The after effects of concussion or PSC (Post Concussion Syndrome) can last as long as six months with symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, memory loss and headaches.

A MANAGEMENT OF CONCUSSION IN SPORTS palm card is available through the AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY. The card explains the three grades of concussion, management recommendations, when to return to play, the features of concussions frequently observed and other pertinent information.

To purchase copies of the card you can call:
American Academy of Neurology at: 800-879-1960
Brain Injury Association at: 703-236-6000

You can also receive published information through the American Academy of Neurology and the Brain Injury Association from neurologists specializing in the diagnosis and management of concussion in sports.

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