A heads-up on concussions

Concussions are not to be taken lightly. They have become a serious issue and have taken the national stage, especially after the National Football League recently decided to stiffen penalties for vicious hits and to focus on increasing awareness of head injuries.

Research on concussions has shown a connection between professional football players who suffer them and long-term deleterious effects on the brain. With the health of thousands of young athletes at stake, high school athletic departments in our own communities are devising and reinforcing safety guidelines.

One of those guides, released online by the National Federation of State High School Associations, or NFHS, offers tips for parents, athletes and coaches on how to prevent, detect and properly treat concussions.

Statistics show that about 140,000 high school athletes across the nation suffer concussions each year. However, many others can go undetected if coaches and team doctors do not use the correct procedures to identify them.

And we all need to keep in mind that concussions are not limited to football players. Athletes in all sports, including baseball, lacrosse and soccer, have been known to suffer concussions.

Testing for concussive symptoms doesn’t mean simply asking how many fingers are being held up in front of an athlete’s face or whether he or she knows what day of the week it is. Signs of a concussion may include confusion, forgetfulness, clumsiness, memory loss, personality changes and, of course, loss of consciousness. Also, according to the NFHS, concussed athletes may report headaches, nausea, double vision and problems with balance and concentration. Coaches and parents of athletes at all levels are urged to take a player out if there is any doubt.

In Oregon and Washington, an athlete with a concussion is not permitted to return to play the same day of the injury and must be cleared by a medical professional before participating in practices or games afterward. In addition, coaches in those states receive mandatory education in the signs of and recovery from head injuries.

Similar legislation should be considered in New York state, as long as funds are provided to school districts and athletic leagues to properly educate coaches on the topic.

According to the NFHS, rest and a step-by-step approach are the keys to an athlete’s recovery and eventual return to the field. Athletes should begin with light exercise and non-contact drills before returning to full speed and full contact.

While it is important for parents and coaches to keep an eye on their players, it is just as crucial for the athletes to evaluate their own condition. Going back onto the field prematurely isn’t worth the risk of long-term physical or cognitive damage. If an athlete is uncertain, he or she should take the safe route and take a seat on the bench.