New Guidelines Proposed for Treatment of Concussions in High School Athletes
The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), in conjunction with several State politicians, have proposed legislation that would promote baseline neurological testing in an effort to reduce the number of sports related concussions in high school athletes. As seminars are being held to educate coaches, parents and students on the risks associated with concussions, the number of schools offering baseline testing has increased from a year ago.
The NJSIAA has been proactive in their efforts to raise awareness, while still understanding that some concussions will occur. A new policy created in April states that an athlete who suffers a concussion or is experiencing concussion-like symptoms must be removed from the game or practice and not return until he or she goes through a battery of tests. This is to prevent second-impact syndrome — which occurs if an athlete suffers a second concussion while still recovering from the first, and can be fatal.