SPORTS CONCUSSION PREVENTION AND AWARENESS PROGRAM

Avoidance of concussion is key to athletic and cognitive longevity
February 9, 2006

Westborough, MA For the second year Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital is pleased to announce the start of the Sports Concussion Prevention and Awareness project first initiated last fall by Dr. Michael Sefton, director of neuropsychology at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital. 'Concussion in youth sports is a serious problem. It often goes unrecognized' according to Dr. Sefton, who recently spoke at a day-long seminar on concussion in youth sports in Sturbridge, MA. Parents need to be mindful of the kinds of injuries their children sustain especially those affecting the brain. It is now well recognized that athletes who receive a concussion are much more likely to become re-injured than children never having had a concussion. Kids should not return to play until they are without symptoms.

'There is a problem with self-reporting symptoms after concussion. Kids aren't reliable because they want to go out and play' according to Sefton. Common symptoms include headache, fogginess, disorganization, decreased mental speed and energy, poor memory, even depression. It is incumbent on parents and the child's doctor to determine when it is right to return to competition. Dr. Sefton uses a computerized assessment program to measure neurocognitive functioning before and after injuries. In the fall of 2004, preseason testing of youth hockey players was initiated for the first time in Shrewsbury. 'We evaluated nearly 60 players prior to the start of the hockey season last fall. About 5-8 percent of those were injured during the season and re-evaluated' reported Dr. Sefton. The follow-up assessment is key to making return-to-play decisions and can identify very subtle neurocognitive deficits that result from trauma to the head. Children who return to competition too quickly risk re-injury and having their symptoms prolonged. High school and college athletic directors will be asked to make decisions about using this program in the coming weeks. Pre-season assessment of all athletes is recommended according to Dr. Sefton. In the unlikely event the athlete is injured during football season or any sport this baseline data will be available. The test takes about 25 minutes.

Guidelines have been established for the diagnosis of concussion by a panel of experts meeting in Prague, Czech Republic in 2004. There are now 2 types of concussion: simple and complex depending upon specifics of the injury. It is important to remember that loss of consciousness in not necessary to be diagnosed with concussion. The consensus suggests athletes tend to return to competition too quickly. Symptoms of concussion generally evaporate within a few days or a week but with recurrent concussion these recovery prognoses are thrown out as each athlete follows a different recovery path. 'The avoidance of concussion is important and the avoidance of re-injury is essential and can result in long-term cognitive and behavioral problems.' reports Sefton. Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital provides a range of services for athletes who sustain injuries including orthopedic injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation and outpatient treatment. Whittier will offer a free preseason educational program to athletic trainers and coaches this summer contact Dr. Sefton for details. The concussion project is available to schools and colleges by calling 508-579-0417.

Reprinted with permission of Worcester Telegram