CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT
Student athlete concussions are a serious issue, and Memorial Health System’s Sports Medicine Program is urging parents of students playing contact sports to be serious about the effects a concussion can have on their child’s health.
The increase in sports-related concussions is a growing concern. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all student athletes in contact sports take baseline tests. The estimates regarding the likelihood of an athlete in a contact sport experiencing a concussion may be as high as 19% according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data compiled from studies performed by Ohio State University College of Medicine show that perhaps 49% of high school athletes return to play too soon after a concussion.
Memorial’s Sports Medicine Program recommends that student athletes have a baseline evaluation prior to the beginning of the season. The baseline evaluation offered by the program is the same one used by the NFL. It measures and records the athlete’s balance, cognition, eye movement, and visual acuity functioning. This baseline data is then used comparatively if the athlete sustains a head injury.
Parents requesting concussion baseline testing are required to sign a consent form. The test is not covered by private insurance, but is offered for a nominal fee of $25. Payment is required at the time of appointment. For further information click on any of the links below, or call MHS Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at 785-263-6664.
Concussion Fact Sheet for Parents (PDF)
