My View: Evaluating concussions

In 2015, Will Smith played the lead role in the December box office hit “Concussion.” The movie tells the true story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, who studies and uncovers information about the effects of repeated concussions on professional football players. It was a movie that sparked conversation across the nation about the dangers and risks of multiple concussions due to a physical contact sport and brought to light an issue of which many weren’t aware. Dr. Brian Cox, director of the athletic training program, brought ? a program to campus in 2011 to test University athletes for concussions. We sat down with him to get his take on concussion risks and evaluation.

When I came to Harding in 2011, many high schools and universities were just beginning to implement specialized concussion testing. The athletic training staff at Harding was already gathering baseline data from a memory and balance perspective. The staff was very receptive to the idea of implementing the ImPACT program to our pre-participation evaluations. ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) is the most widely used and most scientifically validated computerized concussion management tool available. This neurocognitive assessment allows us to record baseline scores on visual memory, verbal memory, visual motor speed and reaction time. These scores can be compared to? the athlete’s post-injury scores if a concussion is suspected or diagnosed. Although ImPACT does not diagnose a concussion or determine if a concussion has resolved, it does assist the medical staff in gaining an insight into the athlete’s symptoms so proper measures can be taken in both caring for the athlete and the athlete’s return to play.

It is estimated that between 1.6 and 3.8 million concussions occur annually ?in the U.S. as a result of competitive sports. What was once referred to as “getting dinged” or “having your bell rung” is now recognized as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Much is being done within athletics to reduce the risk of this injury. However, it is important to understand that even with certain modifications, concussions will never be eliminated from sports or life. Certainly some sports and activities present higher risks than others, but coaching proper techniques and following rules may help to limit the number of injuries.