Concussions and proper care for concussed athletes have gained importance among all those involved in youth sports leagues. Coaches as well as parents have become keenly aware of the need to take every precaution available to prevent concussions and seek proper care when an athlete has taken a hard hit. Dr. Jeffrey Mjaanes, Director of the Chicago Sports Concussion Clinic at Rush, was recently invited to the Chicago City Council Committee on Education and Child Development and Committee on Finance meeting to discuss a new ordinance regarding sports concussions. The ordinance states that any athlete who suffers symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion at any school-sponsored event shall be removed from the contest and must be evaluated by trained medical personnel, either on site or at a medical facility. The athlete may not return to competition until they have been evaluated by a health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and receives written medical authorization to return to play from the provider.
Dr. Mjaanes was joined by Dr. Cynthia LaBella of Children's Memorial, Dr. Hunt Batjer and Dr. Daniel Derman, both of Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The four physicians made statements regarding youth sports concussions, then took questions from the aldermen and alderwomen. Dr. Mjaanes presented the group with enumerating statistics regarding concussions and traumatic brain injuries in sports. He also discussed the dangers associated with playing while having concussion symptoms and the long-term consequences of concussions. "Newer research shows that most concussions go undetected and that a concussed athlete who returns to competition too early is at highest risk for serious long-term consequences. The goal of this ordinance is not to limit sports participation, but to ensure that young athletes who have suffered a concussion return to sports as safely as possible," said Dr. Mjaanes.
The committee approved the proposed ordinance, and on January 13, 2011, the Chicago City Council voted as a whole and approved the measure.
Learn more about concussion prevention and proper concussion care at the Chicago Sports Concussion Clinic at Rush webpage.
