Concussion Assessment and Management Program

"Athletes should be better informed about the cumulative and persistent effects of sports concussion on mental and physical processes"

Dr Louis de Beaumont     
University of Montreal     

Welcome to CAMP Website

This website is dedicated to furthering the knowledge of cerebral concussion and it's impact on athletic competition.  A key component to full recovery is managing return to play for athletes in central New England.  

Parents and student athletes now required to take online concussion test

GRAFTON, MA  April 17, 2011  A new series of policies are mandated by the MIAA and the Massachusetts Department of Health in support of concussion education across the commonwealth.  Athletic directors in central Massachusetts continue to resist the implimentation of baseline testing for all athletes.  Why?  The MIAA now requires concussion education for all people involved in youth sports.  It does not yet mandate baseline testing for injured players.  Yet it seems as though many A.D.s believe baseline testing is going to complicate the return-to-play scenario rather than provide the extra data needed to guide a student's physician in clearing the player to begin the re-exertion process.  Recent studies in official journal of the Academy of Pediatrics cite the importance of physical and cognitive rest.  Athletes with 2 or more concussion had significantly lower grade point averages when compared to those who had not sustained a concussion.

The Concussion Assessment and Management program can help with setting up programs for providing education and concussion management in your school.   According to Michael Sefton, Ph.D. the best practice now includes a seemless baseline testing program as well as return-to-school and return-to-play scenarios for student athletes afflicted with symptoms of concussion.  Contact Dr. Sefton for information about policy requirements and assistance with setting up your concussion protocols soon.  micsefton@assumption.edu

  Change in behavior sometimes a lingering symptom of concussion

 ATHLETE MAY BE THE LAST TO NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG

Poor behavioral self-regulation is the term given to the change observed in athlete's who are suffering with the lingering effects of cerebral concussion.  In his first game back after suffering a concussion one college lacrosse player got into a fight with an opposing attack forward he believed had cross checked his goalie.  The athletic trainer mentioned this in passing in routine follow-up.  The NCAA takes a hard line against fighting of any kind in all sports even hockey and lacrosse where it is sometimes condoned.  The player will be suspended for his next game according to NCAA rules.

Behavior can take some unexpected twists after brain injury.  Changes in mood are well documented - both Patrice Bergeron and Marc Savard experienced significant depression after they were injured playing for the Boston Bruins.  Decreased insight and poor impulse control too can be significantly altered while players recover from concussion.  I asked the head trainer if the fight was in keeping with the players personality?  Understandably an athlete is going to take measures to protect a member of his team if unfairly hit but the extent of the athlete's response may indicate a concussion-related lapse in impulse control and self-monitoring.

    -Discussion on Concussion

WATCH FOR UPCOMING SEMINAR AT THE YMCA in Westborough, MA.  The topics will be concusion overview, followed by return-to-play and return-to-school education.  Information about the new MIAA standards will be provided.  Contact Dr. Sefton if interested in attending.  Seminars are available for low cost to help.