Imagine with us the following scenario. 

A high school volleyball player (let's call her Sam) hits their head while diving to dig a ball spiked from the other team. Sam is a little bit dazed, but seems to shake it off and continues to play. Later that night and over the next few days, Sam’s head continues to hurt and she is having trouble concentrating and is increasingly bothered by bright lights and sounds in the classroom. As months roll on, Sam’s grades begin to fall, her moods become more erratic, and behavior issues are starting to cause problems at school and at home. 

When Sam hit her head, it turned out she had experienced a concussion. Unfortunately, Sam was one of the 20% of people who developed long-term side effects from the concussion, “mild” as it was. The fact that Sam’s concussion wasn’t recognized, treated, and managed during the recovery period increased her likelihood of developing longer-term symptoms. 

But what if things were different? 

Sam still hit her head while digging the spike, but instead of continuing to play, Sam’s coach recognizes that Sam needs to be taken out of the game and evaluated for a concussion. After the game, the coach and trainer inform Sam’s parents that Sam may have a concussion and needs to get checked by a medical professional, then they let the parents know what the next steps should be if Sam’s concussion is confirmed. 

Sam’s parents take her to their primary care doctor and confirm that Sam indeed has a concussion. They work together with the school to devise a plan that will give Sam’s brain the rest it needs while easing her back into the classroom and her normal activities. It doesn’t get rid of all of the symptoms long-term, but it does help them all know what is causing them and think of ways to adjust and accommodate Sam’s needs and give her the best chance to succeed as she moves forward. 

Concussions happen, and when they do, it’s not something to take lightly. Proper recognition, treatment, then management can help reduce the likelihood of long-term effects on things like balance, memory, vision, thinking, and moods and behaviors. 

Your gift of $100 or more can help provide valuable concussion management resources and training for families, schools, businesses, and other organizations. Will you donate today?