The document discusses concussions in sports, specifically among young athletes. It notes that concussions have risen 60% according to reports, though the actual number may be higher since some athletes do not report injuries for fear of not being allowed to play. The sports with the highest rates of concussion are hockey, football, basketball, and soccer at the high school level. While more men sustain concussions, women are more likely than boys to suffer concussions playing the same sports, possibly due to weaker neck muscles in women. The document lists common concussion symptoms and questions about preventing, evaluating, and treating concussions.

1. Val Danculovich

2.  We can all agree sports are a good way to stay in shape as
well as learning other important team building skills. But
there are negative consequences when it comes to playing
sports, injuries. Injuries that may have immediate or long-
term consequences such as concussions.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/high_school.html

3.  “A trauma-induced event in mental statue that may or
may not involve a loss of consciousness.”
 In fact greater then 90% of all concussions there is no loss
of consciousness.
 A concussion involves, “biomechanical forces cause
rotation of the brain’s cerebral hemispheres around the
upper part of the brainstem.” The player may experience
a, “brief change of awareness which is usually described as
being ‘dazed’ or in rare occasions a prolonged loss of
consciousness.”
Source: http://seeingstarsfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=78&Itemid=27

4.  Reports of concussions have risen 60% but that static may
be higher because there are plenty of athletes who don’t
report their injuries for fear that they will not be allowed to
play.
 The source of concussions in youth is during activities such
as bicycling, soccer, playground activities, football, and
basketball.
Source: http://seeingstarsfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=78&Itemid=27
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/schooled_in_sports/2011/10/report_60_percent_increase_in_youth-

5.  At the high school level the sports with the highest
concussion rating is hockey (both women and men’s),
football, basketball, and soccer.
 Even though there are more men who sustain
concussions, women are more likely to suffer concussion
than boys who play the same sports.
 Specialist theorize that this may be due to the fact that
women have weaker neck muscles than men.
Source: http://seeingstarsfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=78&Itemid=27
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20100830/sports-related-concussions-on-the-rise-in-kids

6.  Anyone who is associated with sports
 Parents
 Coaches
 Players
 Refs
 Athletic Directors

7.  What are the symptoms of a concussion?
 What should you do as a parent, coach, or athletic director to prevent a
concussion?
 What are coaches, parents, refs, and athletic directors doing to prevent
concussions?
 If you have a concussion, how long should you sit out until you are able to
play again?
 What sport activities cause the most concussions?
 What should you do as an athlete to prevent a concussion?
 What is the evaluation and treatment protocol for suspected concussion?

8.  Dazed or stunned appearance
 Change in the level of consciousness or awareness
 Shows behavior changes
 Answers more slowly than usual
 Headache
 Nausea
Source: http://www.wiaawi.org/Health/Concussions.aspx

9. There is no way to truly prevent a concussion. Education and
awareness of the situation is key in reducing the risk of
problems with concussion. Proper equipment and safe
playing fields can reduce the risk of head trauma . Most
importantly, proper practices during a game such as hitting
and tackling are vital. Just make sure you have safety
equipment and an athletic trainer.
Source: http://www.wiaawi.org/Health/Concussions.aspx

10. Concussions Related Articles
• “A Hard-Hitting Story: Young Football Players Take Big –
League Hits to Head
• http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june12/footballhits_04-02.html
• NFL
• Junior Seau
• http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/05/ex-
teammate-junior-seau-had-1500-concussions/1#.UFhxrxid7Ns
• Dave Duerson
• http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/5210244-419/ignorance-isnt-
bliss.html

11. Val Danculovich