Enable or download the Flash player to view this movie. If you are using an HTML editor then you wont see the Flash movie unless you preview this page in your browser.

"The days of playing after getting your bell rung is no longer a testament to toughness." O.C.REGISTER 11-12-09


 

 

 

 

 

 

 REHABILITATION NEWS, 2008 



Why is Concussion considered an Invisible Injury ?

GRAFTON, MA November 2, 2010 - A public symposium on sports concussion was held November 16, 2010 at Grafton High School in Massachusetts.  Concussion referrs to a traumatic force that is applied to the brain often during a sporting event.  Concussion is sometimes referred to as an "invisible injury". Why?  Because when an athlete is recovering from symptoms of concussion he often seems uninjured on the outside. No crutches, no splint.  

 Did you know that a concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury?  Every athlete recovers from concussion at different time tables.  The Concussion Assessment and Management Program (CAMP) helps organizations, schools, and individual teams and athletes understand sports-related concussion and the importance of a carefully planned recovery protocol.  The center of this protocol is the identification of baseline and post-injury cognitive function testing. 

 Dr. Michael Sefton is a school psychologist and concussion specialist who is trained in the neuropsychology of head injury.  Dr. Sefton uses both computerized cognitive testing and standardized protocols for measuring recovery from sports concussion.  Consultation with trainers and coaches is essential following a concussion to assure for managed return to play. 

Symptom Profile

A concussion is a the result of significant force or trauma applied to the head of an athlete.  Symptoms of concussion are often quite different from player to player although there are a host of symptoms most frequently attributed to concussion.  An athlete does not need to loose consciousness in order to be diagnosed with a concussion.  Cause of death following brain injury is generally from swelling in the brain resulting from trauma and bleeding within the skull. 

  • Poor memory & inattentionLateral view MRI

  • Headache or "pressure" in the head

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Balance problems or dizziness

  • Double or blurry vision

  • Sensitivity to sound or light

  • Concentration or memory problems

  • Confusion

  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy

CDC Heads Up - Facts for Physicians U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services

Click image above for diffuse axonal injury movie

Seek medical attention right away when an athlete is suspected of a concussion!