Concussions- Do you know enough?

North Dakota High School Activities Association Report on Concussions

Following urging from the State Legislature, the North Dakota High School Activities Association conducted a study on concussions, results of which were recently reported. The study was a survey sent to 169 schools in North Dakota, requesting information about concussion incidence during school activities. The reported results come from 117 returned surveys (69% response-rate, which is good). Total, there were 580 concussions reported- occurring in 24 different sports. The most concussions occurred in football (232) with girl's basketball having the second most reported concussions (65). Overall, 1 in 45 North Dakota high school athletes will suffer from a concussion. Read the full press release HERE.

Concussions- What's the big deal?

Concussions have been a hot topic in the news during the past few years- and for good reason. Athletes in all sports including football, hockey, basketball, soccer, baseball and softball- at all levels- suffer from concussions. Professional sports leagues have notably been the leaders in advancing concussion recognition and treatment, but healthcare professionals, coaches, athletes and parents, and political groups have been active at all levels working to bring more attention to and address this growing problem. 

Concussions in Sports

Concussions get the most attention in professional sports. They happen to seemingly otherwise elite athletes and leave lasting negative side-effects that we are only now beginning to fully appreciate. Examples of careers and lives being altered can be found in all major sports-

Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins suffered a concussion in 2010 that threatens to end his career.

Taylor Twellman of the MLS New England Revolution had his career end following a concussion.

James Harden of the Oklahoma City Thunder was sidelined due to a concussion caused by this infamous elbow.

Most of the recent press has dealt with concussion injuries in the NFL. DeSean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles suffered memory loss after a vicious hit in 2010. Due to concerns that the league possibly ignored or withheld information about how dangerous concussions are, former players have filed a lawsuit against the league.

Apparently, it is even possible to sustain a concussion in the long jump! ...who knew?

Long Jump FAIL

NHL star Sidney Crosby- Concussion improved following chiropractic care

One star athlete receiving attention for his concussion treatment is Pittsburgh Penguins star, Sidney Crosby. After receiving treatment from experts across the country, Crosby finally found results after being evaluated and treated by chiropractic neurologist, Dr. Ted Carrick, DC, PhD. Dr. Carrick treated Crosby in his lab at Life University in Marrietta, Georgia, where he has helped countless others. His methods have received attention for being controversial, but patients like Crosby see improvements in their condition as a result of his treatment.

What can YOU do?

Step one: Be informed! 

Understand that concussions can happen ANYWHERE and not just athletes- ANYONE can suffer a concussion from a fall or other accident.

Prevention is key- these guidelines can help.

Step two: Learn to recognize a concussion

If you learn the key signs and symptoms of a concussion, you will know when someone might be suffering from a concussion- and if they are, get them to see a professional! 

There are ways to help athletes in your life- even yourself- become more aware of concussions and take them seriously. They are SERIOUS! 

Finally: Help your DOCTOR!

While concussions are becoming more recognized nationally, it doesn't mean your doctor knows how to best recognize or treat them. So, help them out- bring THIS information with you!

One more thing....

Send this information to your friends and family- anyone you know- who either has an athlete in their family or coaches young athletes. You could help in ways you could never have imagined!