Concussion Screenings

Young athletes suffering from concussions have caught national attention and is making parents, coaches, and physicians think twice about preventative measures.

In May, Licking Memorial Health Systems will be introducing concussion screenings as a part of its free pre-participation sports physicals program. The 20 minute computerized test known as ImPACT, will assess cognitive functions such as memory, attention span, and reaction times.

"You may feel well, you may feel like you can return to play, but there are parts of the brain that are still injured and we are able to see that now and determine when is it safe to play," said Pediatrician Diane LaMay.

Reports estimate that there are between 1.6 million and 3.8 million sports-related concussions in the U.S. every year.

"When an athlete sustains an injury to the neurons in the brain, which is the central part of the brain," said Dr. LaMay, "It doesn’t mean they have bleeding in the head, it doesn’t mean they have a skull fracture or a break in their skull, it’s an actual shaking or impact injury to the brain."

She said often times athletes will return to their sport too soon and can sustain what is called second impact syndrome.

"The nerves haven’t been allowed to heal yet and so the second impact although it may seem minor can actually have a larger impact and may result in death of the athlete," said the pediatrician.

In addition to concussion screenings, physicians also perform electrocardiograms to ensure the athletes don’t have any heart defects. Last year, nearly 1,000 students in Licking County participated in the program.

"We feel it’s our responsibility to make sure that we have very high quality care and that our health system is one of the best in the country," said CEO and President Rob Montagnese.