Concussions are No Joke - Get a Baseline!

Much of my understanding of health and healing was set in motion by a concussion I sustained at age 14.  Most concussions get better in 7-10 days, but mine persisted for months.  I was diagnosed with Post Concussion Syndrome and suffered headaches and memory issues for years.  Regular medical approaches didn't work for me, so I chose to seek healing naturally.  Caring for my injured brain taught me the importance of eating a balanced diet of organic and nutritious foods, exercising, getting good sleep and a having positive mental attitude. 

​As millions of students return to school and sports this month, I encourage you to consider getting a baseline concussion test.  I wasn’t an athlete, so I didn’t have a baseline test.  It would be amazing if baselines were given to all high school students who participate in Phys Ed classes, but funding prevents that in many districts.  While the risk of concussion isn’t eliminated by having a baseline test, they can be an effective tool to manage injuries like mine and assist in making Return-to-Play and Return-to-Learn decisions.  

In 2016 I founded National Concussion Awareness Day, and with the help of Senator Maggie Hassan in 2019, it was recognized by a resolution in the United States Senate and US House of Representatives. I invite you to join me on Friday, September 15th to raise awareness and understanding about mild traumatic brain injury.  Become aware of the signs and symptoms, encourage others to take them seriously and share your story of concussion if you have one!

Concussion symptoms can vary with each person and injury, and they may not be noticeable for hours or even days. Common symptoms include:
•             Headache
•             Confusion
•             Difficulty remembering or paying attention
•             Balance problems or dizziness
•             Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
•             Feeling irritable, more emotional, or “down”
•             Nausea or vomiting
•             Bothered by light or noise
•             Double or blurry vision
•             Slowed reaction time
•             Sleep problems
•             Loss of consciousness

It’s really important to recognize the concussion and remove the athlete from play immediately if it’s suspected. Because if another impact happens to the brain before the first one heals, it can increase healing time or cause a rare but sometime fatal case of Second Impact Syndrome.

Through education we can make the “shake it off and keep playing” mantra become a thing of the past! It’s not just seeing stars.  An impact to your brain has real consequences that can last a lifetime.   A new study by the Boston University CTE Center published in the JAMA Network Open Journal found that men with a history of playing organized tackle football were 61% more likely to suffer from parkinsonism or be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.  Football and the NFL has been in the concussion spotlight a lot in recent years with lawsuits over the long-term effects players have suffered.  But soccer, hockey, rugby and basketball players should be aware of their risks too.
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Choose health, choose to get a baseline test this month.

Free online concussion education resources are available at www.CDC.gov and www.BIAUSA.org.