Sports related concussions often go untreated or under-treated resulting in permanent damage such as headaches, neurological impairment, depression and even death. A lawsuit filed by several former NFL football players brings to light the serious effects of repeat concussions. While sports concussions are not new, the interest in researching this significant injury has grown in the past several years in both the scholastic and professional setting. Schools across the country are now implementing stricter guidelines for screening and monitoring students who sustain concussions.
Studies show that 5-10 percent of students in sports such as hockey, football, soccer and wrestling will sustain a concussion each season. It is the treatment provided after the concussion and the length of time before a subsequent concussion that often have bearing on the long term impact. In an effort to protect athletes from dangerous consequences of concussions, schools are now implementing the ImPACT™ test as a tool to detect the effects of concussions. The ImPACT™ test (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) is a computerized concussion evaluation system. Developed to assess post-concussion symptoms, it is now being used to determine when and whether it is a safe for an athlete to return to play after suffering a concussion. Proper reading of the test results is imperative. In addition, coaches, players and parents must heed the warnings of concussion symptoms and delay return to play until it is safe.
