A concussion is a brain injury that is caused by a bump or blow to the head, and it can change the way the brain normally works.
Did You Know?
Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness
Athletes who have, at any point in their lives, had a concussion have an increased risk for another concussion
Young children and teens are more likely to get a concussion and take longer to recover than adults
Concussions are a type of injury caused by a blow or bump to the head that disrupts the way the cells in the brain normally work. They are one of the most commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and recreation activities. Most sports-and recreation-related concussions seen in emergency departments each year (65%) occur among youth ages 5–18. While many of these injuries may be considered mild, they can result in health consequences such as impaired thinking, memory problems, and emotional or behavioral changes. (information from the cdc website)
It's better to miss one game than the whole season.
For more information on concussions in youth sports, please refer to the attachments on this page, or go to www.cdc.gov/concussion.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW & DOWNLOAD CONCUSSION INFORMATION:
For ImPact concussion baseline testing information, please go to www.a-headofthegame.com. ImPact is a software that is used in all pro sports, Collegiate sports, most private and some public HS's. It is a computerized neuro-cognitive test that is given to athlete's prior to getting a concussion. You have probably heard or read about it somewhere. If and when an athlete gets a concussion they are re-tested. The physicians use the test to compare to see how bad the concussion is by comparing it to the BASELINE. The athlete is continually re-tested and until they are back to baseline they are kept out of contact sports. The physicians are allowing time for the brain to heal and do not want to put them at risk for getting another concussion.
Jeannine Donato, A-HeadoftheGame founder and Registered Nurse experienced in Head Trauma at Brigham & Womens Hospital, has teamed up with Children's Hospital, South Shore Hospital, Sports Concussion NE, and Dr. David Morin. They are all Credentialed ImPACT consultants in MA. A-HeadoftheGame is a Baseline Impact Provider only. We give the test to athlete's prior to getting onto the field or ice (pre-concussion) and to children starting at age 11. Jeannine Donato, R.N., is the only person in the US that IMPACT has given the software to outside of a school or organization and has an office in Norwell booking appointments by request. Contact Jeannine Donato by email at:
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“When in Doubt, Sit them Out”
Symptoms of a Concussion
Nausea
Balance Problems
Visual Disturbance
Sensitivity to Light & Noise
Headache (pressure in the head)
Fatigue
Dizziness
Changes in Vision
Impaired Concentration
Coach Training
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Center
Online Training Course w/ certificate of completion Resource Materials
www.impacttest.com for more information on Neurocognitive Baseline Testing
www.biama.org/whatdoes/playsmart: Play Smart: Understanding Sports Concussionis an exciting and informative video series produced by the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts for parents, coaches and student athletes. The video series includes two twelve-minute videos, one specifically designed for coaches and parents and another for student athletes. Play Smart includes the essential knowledge on sports concussions, personal testimonies of student and professional athletes, and expert advice. Play Smart educates audiences on the signs and symptoms of concussion, emphasizes the importance of proper management and best methods for follow-up, and highlights this important public health issue.
www.biama.org/whatdoes/keys: Keep Every Youth Safe (KEYS) is an hour-long seminar created by the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts that educates and empowers new drivers to make smart driving decisions to avoid injury when on the road. This award-winning program explores the link between dangerous driving behaviors and the risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the most common cause of death and disability among adolescents and young adults.
