Recent Developments in Concussions and Sports Injuries

For the past number of years, there has been much discussion in the media, the medical profession and within professional, amateur and even school sports, about traumatic brain injury. Concussions, often deemed to be a “mild brain injury,” are usually categorized as the least catastrophic on the traumatic brain injury spectrum and this is where most of the discussion has been focused.

Why? Because they are generally deemed to be relatively minor by the individual who sustained them and by others. But times seem to be changing. Mild brain injuries and their long term implications are being more fully recognized and understood. Repetitive concussions have been found to take their toll and can lead, over time, to traumatic brain injury of a catastrophic level. Therefore, at least one sports organization recently revised its guidelines for dealing with players who have sustained concussions. These include:

• Pre-season examinations to clinically assess functions like memory, concentration and balance. The examination also involves questions concerning prior concussions in recognition of the increased likelihood of more severe traumatic brain injury resulting from the aggregation of concussions. In all, this creates a baseline from which later assessments can be made.
• The history and physical examination is supplemented with the results of neuropsychological testing that examine memory, reaction time, attention span, problem-solving skills and other factors. Neuropsychologists play a large role in interpreting the results of these tests and, as needed, later traumatic brain injury care.
• During the game, players who are suspected of suffering a concussion are assessed by the team’s medical staff. A checklist that outlines findings that require immediate removal from the game is first reviewed. It includes the more obvious symptoms of concussion such as loss of consciousness, unresponsiveness, confusion, amnesia and other symptoms. The team doctor then administers the rest of the sideline concussion test which is similar to the pre-season examination but which has more elements.
• After the game and for a period of time thereafter, the main treatment is rest. Doctors and trainers monitor the player to see when he or she returns to baseline functionality and whether symptoms return when he or she watches films of practice or engages in physical activity. After symptoms have subsided, more neuropsychological tests are performed. If there is progress, he or she may be eligible for increased practice, and ultimately, return to play. Typically, an unaffiliated expert must also affirm the player’s acceptable health before he or she may return to active play[1].

NeuLife Rehab in Mount Dora, Florida salutes all of those athletes who bring, and have brought joy and spirit to fans everywhere. We stand ready, with our innovative post-acute care to assist in the rehabilitation of our Clients in attaining that level of independence that their physical and mental abilities allow.

Proper and timely post-acute rehabilitation that may determine the difference between disability and independence is what NeuLife refers to as the “platinum post-acute period” —  the crucial window following acute care that is needed to nurture the whole person to health with specialized, clinically relevant services.

NeuLife’s philosophy is that healing, wellness and personal fulfillment are best achieved in a positive and uplifting therapeutic environment where caring staff encourages, assists and supports each client so he or she may achieve specific goals. NeuLife believes personal fulfillment is equally as important as goals to achieve function and independence.

NeuLife, in Mount Dora, Florida, is an accessible residential post-acute program providing specialized rehabilitation to individuals diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury
(TBI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Amputations, Burns and other Catastrophic Injuries and Challenging Diagnoses.

2725 Robie Avenue

Mount Dora, Florida 32757

[1] http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000253716/article/nfls-2013-protocol-for-players-with-concussions