RECOGNIZING CONCUSSION INJURIES IN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES
With football and high school sports just around the corner, the topic of concussions is sure to surface. It is important that schools, coaches, students, parents and guardians be educated on the symptoms of a concussion and to know what steps to take when a student displays signs of a possible concussion.
Some states require a mandatory restriction from further participation in the football game following a concussion or “suspected” concussion. Where does Illinois stand on this issue? In the past couple of years, recognizing concussions has progressed. Over three years ago, the Illinois High School Association’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee began to study concussion management. Thus far, the committee has not yet recommended implementation for assessing the severity of concussions. In Illinois, there is a large variation in resources, between large and small schools. It would be difficult for smaller schools to take on a minimum standard program. Unfortunately, a student athlete’s brain could be at issue.
The National Federation of State High School Association which has produced brochures and references on concussions symptoms for years, will now add specific language to its rule books, with a list of symptoms and recommendations for treatment, including a prohibition of returning to action the day of an injury and medical clearance prior to returning the action. This is a tremendous step in preventing subsequent injuries to student athletes.