Concussions are scary and we’re hearing about them more and more every day. There’s more research, more science, and the sports we enjoy are changing to preserve the health of their athletes as well as to preserve the sports themselves. There’s a lot of information out there, and not all of it good, so we’re digging into concussions and where to go to get more information about them.
Recently after practice, the topic of concussions came up with skater and longtime friend, Purrfect. Purr had experienced head trauma in the past and inquired with us about baseline testing, which is a pre-season exam conducted by a medical professional designed to assess balance and brain function. These tests can be used for comparison if the athlete has a suspected concussion or concussion symptoms. In the past, baseline testing was something our league was able to offer in partnership with local medical professionals.
While baseline testing is a good tool, it’s not a feasible option for everyone. That said, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a free online concussion training course called HEADS UP: Concussion to help understand concussions, recognize the symptoms, learn about steps for returning to activity, as well as prevention and preparedness to help keep athletes safe. Additionally, there are focused resources for athletes, coaches, officials, and parents including a mobile app for iPhone or Android with a symptoms reference guide you can easily reference on your phone.
Many states require their youth coaches and officials to complete this course before their season begins, and we recommend all coaches, officials, and athletes take the 15 minutes or so to familiarize themselves with the facts about concussions to better preserve the health of the athletes that participate in the sports we all love and love to watch. In some states, like California for instance, all youth sports organizations are required to have a Concussion Policy in place. Check your local laws to see if that’s the case for you.
Next, let’s get into all the free educational resources the CDC makes available online. We personally recommend the above linked training course for coaches as well as the iOS app below to keep the “signs of a concussion” list hand on your device.
Concussion Resources from the CDC
Before you go…
We highly recommend downloading the HEADS UP application for your phone so you’ll have the resources and checklists you need on hand when a head injury occurs. Armed with this information, you’ll know what to do after the next time someone receives forceful contact to their head and those around you will know what to do if that someone receiving forceful contact to the head is you.
For further reading and learning on this topic, check out either of these non-profit organization below about concussions that specifically include support and discussion around concussions other than those sustained by men, suggested and sourced by the amazing and aforementioned, Purrfect. Thanks PuRR!:
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-Gia & Roger
Team Roll With It 