HeadZone Concussion Care, "I Wish They Had That When I Was Growing Up!"

Cara was at home after her JV basketball practice when she began to complain of a headache. She had been kicked in the temple at practice, yet no one saw and there was no trainer present that day for the team. Cara told her dad and he decided to keep an eye on her in case she had a concussion. In the morning she said she felt good enough to play in her game that day. Cara's coach was never aware of the kick to the head. Unfortunately with the aggressive game that day, as Cara jumped for a rebound, lost balance in the air, landed on the hardwood floor, and banged her head. She now possibly suffered two concussions within two days.
 
When researching the transition of competitive athletes to life after competition for my master's thesis paper I came across a recurring topic ... mild traumatic brain injury otherwise known as a concussion. The transition and loss of identity that many athletes feel upon their playing days ending is difficult enough without having to deal with added issues due to concussions.

As athletes many of us have been "dinged". Also as athletes we have the mentality to push through all pain, toughen up, or shake it off. Well, I wish I knew the difference when it came to getting your "bell rung". There is a a big difference between pushing through a twisted ankle and an injury to  the most important part of our being ... OUR BRAIN!

I didn't have coaches or parents who told me to push past these types of injuries it was just my own personality. (Although sometimes it's the other way around). I was an athlete and that's what we did. Now as an adult I have learned so much about the danger's of my so to speak "thickheadedness". Yet I was not alone in this type of behavior and when I explain what I am doing now I see more and more people who were just like me ... they just didn't know the difference, they didn't think it was such a big deal, and they were just tougher than any head jolting.

Today I am happy that I have a chance to go out and educate athletes, parents, and coaches on the dangers of concussions and the fact that its not the same as any other injury we can suck up. There can be lasting effects if the proper recovery does not occur. HeadZone Concussion Care is a community outreach service that is doing just this and also offering baseline ImPACT testing. The ImPACT baseline can be used as a tool to help gauge when someone can return to play or return to work or school.

Were you an athlete who just sucked it up and now wonder if that was the right thing to do? Did you wish they had this when you were young? Well, me too, but its never too late to share the new innovations with your kids or your team or whoever may be at risk for any types of head injuries. With all that has been learned about concussions over the past ten years we now need to pay attention. I know that I have decided that the bottom line is, anyone has a chance of concussion. Lets take care of our brains!