Know Concussions

7 Ways to Protect Student Athletes

Concussions are an invisible injury, but the consequences are real. Rapid acceleration or deceleration of brain tissue within the skull causes brain tissue to change shape and can stretch and damage brain cells.

Sports Concussion Statistics:

• 8 million concussions reported in 2012, double what was reported in 2002
• 1 in 5 high school athletes will sustain a sports concussion during the season
• 33% of high school athletes who have a sports concussion report two or more in the same year
• 4 to 5 million concussions occur annually with rising numbers among middle school athletes

1. Know the Signs & Symptoms
   90% of most diagnosed concussions do not involve a loss of consciousness
2. Know How to Assess Properly & Quickly
3. Know A Medical Team
   33% of all sports concussions happen at practice
   47% of all reported sports concussions occur during high school football
4. Know How to Reduce and Prevent
   1 in 5 high school athletes will sustain a sports concussion during the season
5. Know how Technology can Increase Risk
6. Know Long-Term Impact
   An estimated 5.3 million Americans live with a traumatic brain injury-related
   What are some ways to prevent the long term impact?
7. Know the difference between Impact vs Impulse Concussion

HOW I CAN HELP

When your spine is properly aligned, your body is well-equipped to perform and manage the stress and trauma associated with athletics.