The law has these provisions:

• Interscholastic athletes, parents and coaches receive education regarding concussions.
• If an athlete is suspected of having a concussion, he or she must be removed from play immediately.
• To return to play following a concussion, athletes must be cleared by a physician.

This law has broad implications. Coaches will be required to take a more active role in the safety of the athletes. Parents will be more equipped to recognize when their child may have suffered a concussion and have the confidence to ask that he or she be removed from play. Athletes will be expected to monitor themselves and teammates to keep everyone safe — even if it means missing a game, a practice or even the season. For physicians, it means staying current on concussion management in order to guide a safe return to play.

A concussion does not have to include a loss of consciousness. The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be broken down into four categories:

• Cognitive (issues with thinking and memory): trouble concentrating, feeling slowed down, feeling in a “fog,” forgetfulness and memory loss
• Emotional: irritability, sadness, feeling anxious or overly emotional
• Physical: headache, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, loss of balance, sensitivity to bright light and loud noises
• Sleep disturbances: sleeping too much, trouble falling asleep

Warning signs that should prompt immediate medical attention:

• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Worsening headache
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty awakening from sleep
• Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination
• Getting more and more confused, restless or agitated
• Seizures
• Any worsening or progression of symptoms

Concussion management requires an individualized plan as each person recovers at a different speed. Initially, physicians will advise the athlete to undergo both physical and cognitive rest so the brain can recover. Once the athlete is totally without symptoms, he or she will slowly be returned to sports in a stepwise approach.

Resources:

• ; contains a lot of free educational resources
• ; click on Health and Safety link then concussions link
• 3rd International Conference on Concussion in Sports Consensus Statement available through the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, May 2009, or available free on the web

Editor’s Note: UofL Today reprints To Your health from the “ULP Insider” newsletter. Read the entire (opens as a PDF document).

Often people think only kids get sports injuries. However, sports injuries can occur at any age. Adults of all ages are maintaining an active lifestyle – from recreational sports to a variety of weekend warrior activities to triathlons. Preventing injuries is crucial to maintaining activity. 

Keys to staying injury free:

• Start slowly and gradually increase your activity.
• Do not ignore persistent aches and pains. A little soreness is okay, but if the soreness lingers or keeps you from staying active, seek advice from a physician.
• Vary your routine. Often we get in a set routine and our bodies and muscles get used to that regimen. If you always run, try cycling or swimming. This change will use different muscles and help keep you from getting overuse injuries.
• Make sure you have a good pair of shoes that are right for your feet and your activities. It is often helpful to go to a running store and have your feet examined so an appropriate pair of shoes can be recommended for your foot type.
• Stretch. Most people do not enjoy stretching, but it is an important part of your exercise routine. The best time to stretch is after you have warmed up a little and at the end of exercising. Yoga is an activity that can be useful in increasing your flexibility.
• If you have any chronic medical problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol or high blood pressure, speak with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

Staying active is an important part of maintaining good health. Make the decision today to be more active. Grab your shoes and get moving to a healthier you!