 A traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden blow to the head or body.  The brain is shaken inside the skull and temporarily prevents the brain from operating properly.  Concussions range in severity from Grade 1 to Grade 3.

 The brain is a soft organ that is surrounded by spinal fluid, and protected by the hard skull.

 Normally the brain is protected by the fluid that surrounds it.  If hit hard enough, the fluid cannot protect against impact.  The brain then crashes into the skull resulting in a concussion  See youtube.com

 Fights, falls, playground injuries, car crashes, and bike accidents.  Sports – most often, full contact sports such as football, hockey, soccer, boxing, skiing, & snowboarding.

 Not always easy to recognize!  Obvious signs include: › Loss of Consciousness (knocked out) › Vomiting › Loss of Coordination › Disorientation › Blank, vacant stare › Glassy eyes or unequal pupils

 Less obvious signs include: › Headache › Drowsiness › Trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual › Feeling as if “in a fog” or “in a dream” › Overly emotional – sadness, anxious, irritable

 There are at least 16 concussion grading systems and return to play guidelines.  There are two that are the most widely used. › Cantu grading system › Colorado Medical Society Guidelines

 1. Removal from contest following any signs/symptoms  of concussion  2. No return to play in current game  3. Medical evaluation following injury › a. Rule out more serious intracranial pathology › b. Neuropsychologic testing (considered a cornerstone of proper postinjury assessment)  4. Stepwise return to play › a. No activity and rest until asymptomatic › b. Light aerobic exercise › c. Sport-specific training › d. Noncontact drills › e. Full-contact drills › f. Game play

 Follow the coach’s rules for safety and the rules of the sport  Use the proper equipment, including personal protective equipment (such as helmets, padding, and eye and mouth guards  Equipment must be worn correctly every time!!!  Be educated…recognize signs and symptoms!

THEN NOW

 NOCSAE - The mission of the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) is to commission research on and, where feasible, establish standards for athletic equipment.  All helmets must meet NOCSAE requirements and must be re-certified on a regular basis

 Introduced in 2003  Retails for $  Better padding for improved impact absorption  Material resistant to fungus, mold, mildew, and staph.  Now in its third generation

 Concussion Reduction Technology  Research shows 31% reduction in concussions when compared to traditional helmets  Quick-release face guard system  Retails for $243.99

 Uses Xenith adaptive head protection  Shock Bonnet adapts to the hit minimizing sudden movement of the head  Newest, very popular football helmet on the market  Not much research thus far  Most comfortable helmet on the market  Retails for $399

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 WARNING: Keep your head up. Do not butt, ram, spear, or strike an opponent with any part of this helmet or faceguard. This is a violation of football rules and may cause you to suffer severe brain or neck injury, including paralysis or death and possible injury to your opponent. Contact in football may result in Concussion/Brain injury which no helmet can prevent. Symptoms include: loss of consciousness or memory, dizziness, headache, nausea, or confusion. If you have symptoms, immediately stop and report them to your coach, trainer, and parents. Do not return to a game or contact until all symptoms are gone and you receive medical clearance. Ignoring this warning may lead to another and more serious or fatal brain injury. NO HELMET SYSTEM CAN PROTECT YOU FROM SERIOUS BRAIN AND/OR NECK INJURIES INCLUDING PARALYSIS OR DEATH. TO AVOID THESE RISKS, DO NOT ENGAGE IN THE SPORT OF FOOTBALL

 Better equipment may lead to neglect of tackling technique  Athletes who have “better” helmets may feel invincible  Bigger, stronger athletes  Entertainment value  Education : We are understanding and recognizing concussions and their complications more and more all the time.  Continued research will only help us learn to prevent more concussions in the future