Real Talk About Concussions

With the concussion issues swirling around David Ash, it felt like an appropriate time to talk about what my family went thought earlier this year with just one. Granted, we don’t know if he had a new one or a recurrence of the old, but regardless, a young man’s mind is nothing to play games with, no matter how hard you want to save a sinking ship.

“Concussions and Children – To Play or Not to Play: This one hit home hard last month. At her birthday party of all places, my kid fell skating and got a concussion. Apparently this wasn’t just any concussion, as I was told “we don’t grade them anymore, but this was severe”. The last month has been a battle against a constant headache, nausea, migraines, half days of school, anger over being held back athletically, and putting the pieces back together so to speak.

I spent almost 24 hours with a child who didn’t know who she was, much less who I was, essentially my daughter reduced to a semi functional zombie. This has been a hell of a battle, one I wouldn’t wish on anyone….but it gets me thinking. They (High Schools, Colleges, the NFL) send guys back into violent situations who were in her condition. I see some of the other kids in the clinic who took hits as bad as hers, but haven’t responded to the treatment 30, 60, 90 + days out from injury. It’s a rough deal for anyone, much less someone still in their formative years.

If I had a son, would I let them play? I’d probably leave it up to them, but if the school didn’t provide the best protection available I’d go buy it, make them let him wear it, or he wouldn’t play. I don’t blame professionals at all for saying they won’t let their children play, nor do I condemn anyone who does. Discuss this with your kids coaches folks, be it Pee Wee or Division 1. Educate yourself on what help is available should the unfortunate happen, and make sure your own insurance covers care of this type if your child is going to play.”

So, what do you think fans?