sult from tackle football, according to
the Concussion Legacy Foundation. But
CTE has been also found in the brains of
boxers, soccer players, hockey players,
military veterans, and victims of domes-
tic violence. Emotional and behavioral
symptoms like depression and impulse
control tend to appear in the 20s and 30s,
while cognitive decline appears later, in
the 40s and 50s.
What are the signs
of concussions?
Most kids have weathered a head
bump or two — and while brain injuries
should be taken seriously, a single con-
cussion has never been shown to cause
CTE. But caregivers and coaches should
be vigilant about preventing and treat-
ing concussion, says Browd. “We need
to encourage safe play, proper training,
coaching and equipment, and immediate
removal from play when a concussion is
suspected.”
There are no blood tests for con-
cussion, so doctors use observed and
reported signs and symptoms to deter-
mine whether one occurred. Symptoms
can appear immediately, but some take
hours or days to emerge.
Immediate signs include headache
or a feeling of pressure in the head, diz-
ziness, fatigue, brain fog, and “seeing
stars.” Less immediate symptoms in-
clude disorientation, sensitivity to light,
changes in eating or sleeping patterns,
and irritability.
My kid’s in sports —
what precautions
can I take?
First, ensure that all coaches and
support staff are trained to recognize
and respond to concussion. Contact the
athletic director at your child’s school to
ask about what type of training coaches
receive.
Insist on a properly fitted helmet
that’s worn for all contact activities, in-
cluding practice.
If your child is diagnosed with a
concussion, follow your healthcare pro-
vider’s recommended treatment plan,
and don’t send your child to practice or a
game until cleared for play by his or her
physician.
continued on page 43
July 2019 WNY Family 35