Welcome
to our Fall 2011
Newsletter!
CONCUSSIONS
by Lou Zollo
With
the beginning of
fall comes the start
of the football
season which leads
to an increase in
the number of
concussions in our
young athletes.
Football is not the
only sport that can
result in
concussions but it
is the one that has
been getting the
most publicity
lately. Any
individual
participating in a
contact or collision
sport has an
increased likelihood
of sustaining a
concussion.
The
simple definition of
a concussion is an
injury to the brain.
It is more difficult
to diagnose them
compared to a
fracture or
ligamentous injury
because the symptoms
are not as
definitive but we
must remember that
it is a brain injury
and must be treated
cautiously as not to
result in permanent
long term damage.
Dr.
Robert Cantu, who is
the foremost expert
on concussions, has
released an opinion
that states "
no child under the
age of 14 should be
participating in
collision
sports". He has
also developed a
specific chart that
needs to be followed
to determine if an
athlete is capable
of returning to the
playing field.
This
is a chart that
every athlete,
parent of an
athlete, or medical
provider needs to be
familiar with to
ensure the safety
and well being of
our student
athletes.
A
recent Starbucks /
Aetna study showed
coffee baristas with
back pain