The number of concussions has been on the rise, which many attribute to athletes, coaches, and parents becoming more aware of the symptoms. Over the past eight years the number of brain injuries in children ages 8-19 has risen 60 percent.

“In the past people didn’t take concussions seriously but now kids are,” Certified Athletic Trainer Michelle Zenz stated.

In the past, most athletes would blow off a small hit to the head and keep playing, but according Minnesota State Senate law No. 612, athletes ages 18 and younger must be sidelined if they show symptoms of concussions, and they may not return until they are cleared by a medical professional. Also, it stated that coaches must receive annual training about concussions.
Depending of the severity of an athlete’s concussion, symptoms can differ.

According to head football coach Jeff Weiland, “It’s the first look into their eyes; I know there is something going on if a kid has dilated pupils.”

Other symptoms that can occur include: headaches, nausea, confusion, unsteadiness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and fatigue.

Depending on the severity of an athletes concussion one can be out between one week and indefinitely. One of the most significant dangers for an athlete is to get a second concussion when their first one hasn’t completely healed, and that is why the new state law was passed.

Concussions can occur from just a slight hit to the head, neck, or upper body. The best way an athlete can protect themselves from receiving a concussion is to wear protective gear when playing sports or doing any sort of physical activity. Many sports require the use of a helmet, make sure they fit correctly to help making concussions less likely.

Another way athletes can protect themselves from getting a concussion is learning the correct technique to do certain things in sports, such as tackling in football or skating in hockey.

Senior hockey captain, Kaylie Grochowski said, “Now I keep my head up when I’m skating and I wear a mouth guard and a concussion helmet.”

One way to help out doctors and trainers after an athlete receives a concussion is to have a base line concussion test so a comparison can be made before and after a possible concussion. A base line concussion test is a test that athletes can take at the beginning of every sports season. It is used to help doctors and trainers know how severe a concussion is. Also, it is used to help see if the brain is 100 percent healed or not.
“Yes, I wish it was free and part of the activity fee. It has just got to be a given in today’s world … It’s not fool proof but it’s a good indicator,” Weiland said.

In the long run, concussions can affect some kids in their daily life. Some children will not be affected at all, while others can suffer from epilepsy, migraines, and trouble concentrating in school.

There is no real way to prevent concussions, but the best thing to do is to raise awareness about concussions and their symptoms and to wear protective equipment when possible. Something as simple as wearing your seat belt in the car and helmets and mouth guard when you play sports are all ways to decrease probability of receiving a concussion.

Katie Larson is a Staff Reporter for The Spartan Speaks