By DR. JAVIER Cárdenas
Much has has been stated about the protective nature of soft shell add-ons, such as guardian cap. It should be noted that they are just a small piece of the puzzle. To truly reduce concussion, it takes a team. Here are the top 5 members of that team to protect youth athletes.
Officials. Yes, officials. They keep our kids safe by throwing flags for unsafe play, especially lowering the head and targeting. Please thank the zebras, when given the chance.
Coaches. While we don’t want coaches to make health care decisions, they have the power to limit the number of contact practices, teach our young athletes proper (safer) techniques, good sportsmanship, and encourage athletes to self-report concussion symptoms. Moreover, coaches who acknowledge the seriousness of concussions and the importance of a complete recovery, before returning to play, show they genuinely care about their athletes.
Parents. We all want the best for our kids and their futures, whether that be academics or athletics. Teach your kids to identify the symptoms of concussion in themselves, the signs of concussion in their teammates, and the value of their health over their sport.
Athletic trainers. If there is a single investment a school can make to keep our kids safe, it is in athletic trainers. Athletic trainers help athletes prevent injuries, are trained for emergency situations (heat illness, sudden cardiac arrest, head injury), and can prevent repeat injuries.
Athletes. Empowering athletes to report when the “don’t feel right” after a big hit or collision is key to identifying injuries and keeping kids safe. Concussion signs (slow to get up, stumbling, clutching head) are not always evident to the naked eye or on video. Concussion symptoms (headaches, dizziness, vision changes, confusion, etc) can only be felt by the athlete themselves. Knowing those symptoms and telling others is the single most important action an athlete can make to be safe.
Javier F. Cárdenas, M.D., a leading expert in the fields of sports neurology, concussion, and traumatic brain injury, is director of the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute Concussion & Brain Injury Center. He is board certified in neurology and brain injury medicine by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Cárdenas also is vice chair of the National Football League’s Head, Neck, and Spine Committee as well as a senior advisor for the NFL Concussion Program. He is also a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the NCAA Concussion Safety Advisory Group.
