For parents, it is critical that they get as much information as possible about what a concussion is, how it is diagnosed and managed, and what to do following head injuries, particularly if their children are involved in sports.

To learn more, I’d like to direct parents to the following: http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2013/Sports-Related-Concussions-in-Youth-Improving-the-Science-Changing-the-Culture.aspx

It’s a simple, five question quiz that provides the correct answers and the results. How well will you do? It doesn’t matter, because you can’t fail. You’ll come away with more knowledge – knowledge that could be life-saving for your child.

To varying degrees there are concussions in almost every sport. We’ve just been more focused on football. But as we recognize that this treatable injury occurs commonly, we need to have the same level of vigilance and recognition that is being applied in the football realm.

It really strikes a chord with me that concussions are now part of almost every sport. The fact that people are wearing sport-specific protective gear means that there is an increase in awareness of the severity and frequency of head injuries.