Getting your bell rung is no joke

Sydney Crosby has just done for concussion awareness what Michael J Fox did for Parkinson’s disease.   A less well known NHL’er, Max Pacioretty of the Montreal Canadiens, also suffered a concussion recently after he was run into a support pole on the boards by Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins. 

In every hockey rink in Canada, starting as young as PeeWee level players, head injuries are prevalent.  And it’s not just contact hockey–other sports including soccer, football, rugby, alpine skiing and basketball see concussions as well.

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head.

Concussion can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms may be subtle and easily overlooked.  Athletes may minimize or not recognize the signs and symptoms of concussion and, therefore, may not seek medical attention. Second impact syndrome is a condition in which a second concussion occurs before a first concussion has properly healed, causing rapid and severe brain swelling and often catastrophic results. Second impact syndrome can result from even a very mild concussion that occurs days or weeks after the initial concussion.

Many times this occurs because the athlete has returned to competition and play too early - before his or her first injury symptoms resolve.  Many coaches, parents and athletes do not realize that days or weeks may be needed before concussion symptoms resolve.

All athletes involved in a sport where collision is a possibility, should have pre-injury “baseline” testing done.   This testing includes assessment of such things as balance, memory, comprehension, recognition etc.  Following a concussive injury, athletes can be re-tested.  Re-test scores are compared to their own baseline results to determine whether there are any deficits.  Post-concussion testing is relevant to the individual and can assist in the decision to return to play, thereby reducing the risk of secondary impact syndrome.

There are many tests for concussions on the market today, but one acute evaluation tool that was created by a coalition of neurosurgeons from around the sporting world, including a Canadian neurosurgeon, is called the SCAT2 (Sports Concussion Assessment Tool).  This is also the test that the NHL recently mandated into their concussion management program.

Statistics do not need to be as high as they are for multiple concussions from sport.  Relying on concussion testing guidelines for return to play can help prevent unnecessary brain injury.

Sue Underhill is a physiotherapist and owner of Maximum Physiotherapy, where concussion baseline testing and re-testing is now available.  Call us for more info at 705-444-3600.