Testing for Concussions Isn't Common: Keep Your Little Slugger Safe

It's Spring, and that means it's time for baseball and softball!

These sports are played by many boys and girls, and at a lot of different levels. High school and intercollegiate teams often have athletic trainers who are familiar with the latest concussion guidelines and these athletes may often have baseline testing done. (Baseline testing is done pre-season, before a head in jury may occur. Then, if the athlete sustains a blow to the head during the season, follow-up testing can be done to ensure that the athlete is "at baseline" and less likely to have sustained a concussion.) This strategy identifies many, but not all concussions.

However, most boys and girls are playing on recreational teams or maybe just with friends in "pick-up" or "sandlot" games. In those cases, there is no trainer, no baseline testing, and if there is a coach, he or she is likely a volunteer with little or no training in the diagnosis or management of concussions. In those cases, parents are the first line in identification and treatment. If the athlete has been hit in the head, he or she needs to be assessed and in almost all cases, this means getting taken out of the game. If there is any:

• loss of consciousness,
• confusion,
• weakness,
• numbness,
• slurred speech,
• vomiting,

or other obvious evidence of a brain injury, medical attention should be sought immediately.

The child should not return to play and should be closely observed if there is:

• mild dizziness,
• headache,
• or even vague complaints of "not feeling well"

If there are any lingering complaints, or if the child seems to be acting differently (for example, changes in eating, sleep, school performance), the child should also be evaluated by a physician. You need to ensure that no further evaluation and treatment is necessary and have someone knowledgeable who can help determine that the athlete has recovered from the concussion and is safe to return to play.

It is important to remember that a concussion is a brain injury. The brain needs to heal when it is injured. When someone sustains a second concussion on top of one that hasn't healed, the results can be potentially catastrophic. Also, don't forget about prevention. Athletes should have proper helmets at bat and on the bases. Helmets may also be used in the field in some circumstances.

Have fun, and be safe!