doubled for youngsters aged 8 to 13 and increased three-fold for teens between 14 and 19. Questions abound as to why physicians are seeing more concussion patients these days than in the mid-90’s. Insufficient or improperly fitted equipment could be to blame; even drastic body weight disparities in youth programs could be causing the spike in the number of reported cases.

But more likely, those involved — the doctors, parents, coaches, and players — are becoming increasingly aware of the hidden dangers of these head injuries, and may finally be taking necessary medical precautions by having a player get checked out when he or she is first suspected of having a concussion.

To that end, the American Academy of Neurology released new guidelines this week for an advanced call-to-action. Under the new provision, players suspected of sustaining a concussion should refrain from further athletic play until they can be properly evaluated by a physician. The AAN also requested that a properly certified athletic trainer be present at all sporting events, be they championship games or the humdrum of weekday practices.

For a successful initiative, knowledge is key. “We need to make sure coaches, trainers, and even parents, are properly educated on this issue, and that the right steps have been taken before an athlete returns to the field,” said Jeffery Kutcher, the AAN Sports Neurology Section Chair and Director of the Neurosport Program at the University of Michigan.

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Authors: Brian Mossop

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