Arlington Schools Increase Focus, Training on Concussions

With increased public attention on concussions athletes may get in practice or in games, Arlington County Public Schools officials are hosting a meeting on the topic just before school starts.

“Research shows that young athletes pose a unique challenge since their brains are still developing and may be more susceptible to the effects of a concussion,” said Virginia athletic trainer and health and physical education supervisor Debbie DeFranco, in the ACPS meeting release.

“We recognize the importance of concussion management and believe that educating student-athletes and their parents about the risks involved with brain injury is a critical step in the process to treat students and return them to normal activities.”

According to the National Institutes of Health, “A concussion is a minor traumatic brain injury (TBI) that may occur when the head hits an object, or a moving object strikes the head.”

Symptoms of concussions include confusion, drowsiness, memory loss and vomiting. More serious symptoms may include persistent confusion, muscle weakness on one side, uneven pupils or abnormal eye movements and problems walking.

Part of the increased public attention on concussions comes from dozens of former professional football players who have sued the NFL for inadequate treatment and monitoring of head injuries.

The meeting for APS parents is at 7 p.m. Aug. 29 at Kenmore Middle School (200 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington) and is a partnership with the Sports Legacy Institute through a grant from the Virginia Department of Public Health.

In addition to educating parents of young athletes, every APS coach will attend training before school starts. APS will also train some coaches from Prince William County and from Falls Church. For more information about the Sports Legacy Institute and their Advanced Concussion Training session, go to www.sportslegacy.org.