By Andrew Rosenblatt

This past August, a new law in Massachusetts went into effect specifying new safety regulations for school athletic programs.  This law requires that all public schools provide education for athletes, parents, coaches, athletic directors, school nurses, and others about the consequences of concussions and other head injuries.

According to this law, student athletes and their parents must notify coaches at the beginning of each season of any prior head injuries.  Additionally, if a student receives a concussion during practice or a game, that athlete may not resume the sport until a medical professional has officially written a certification of “return to play”.  Competitive sports are an important part of many student athletes’ lives, and this law will help regulate the safety component of these often dangerous sports.

This legislation follows increased awareness of the frequency of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), also known as concussions.  Approximately 1.6-3.8 million sports and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries occur in the US every year, most of which are mild, and not treated in hospitals.  Although many of these injuries may seem fairly harmless, studies show that individuals who have suffered from one concussion are at an increased risk from suffering additional concussions in the future. Symptoms can last as little as several minutes and as long as several months, and often hinder a student’s ability to concentrate in school.

Symptoms of concussions/MTBI’s include:

• Difficulty thinking clearly, feeling dazed and hazy
• Difficulties with short term memory
• Difficulty concentrating and maintaining train of thought
• Headache
• Nausea
• Balance issues
• Lethargy
• Sensitivity to noise or light
• Unusual emotional responses (e.g. irritability, sadness, anxiety)
• Changes in sleep patterns (more sleep than usual or less sleep than usual)

From a neuropsychological perspective, MTBIs occurring during middle or high school must be taken seriously. Adolescence is an important stage of development where neuronal connections are still rapidly forming. After an MTBI, a cascade of events from a decrease in cerebral blood flow to altered neuronal firing occurs.  These changes lead to the cognitive, physical, and emotional changes associated with concussions.

At Boston Neuropsychological Services, we believe that it is important to establish a baseline of cognitive functioning in order to more effectively determine the impact of a concussion in a student athlete.  A neuropsychological evaluation following any sports-related head injuries should occur as soon as possible to best determine the individual’s condition. We can help you determine the level of the injury, and figure out the best path towards a speedy recovery.  Our highest priority is the safety of our clients, and an athlete’s safe return to the game.

References

1. Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury)(2005).
2. Traumatic Brain Injury- Football, Warfare, and Long-Term Effects (2010).
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2010).
4. Guidance for Coaches, Athletic Directors and Parents regarding the New Law Regarding Sports-Related Head Injury and Concussions: An Act Relative to Safety Regulations for School Athletic Programs (2010).
5. Mass.gov Health and Human Services- Traumatic Brain Injury (2010).