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| Source:https://www.rd.com |
Since players take their health into their own hands, we sometimes forget about doctors. Doctors are people who want to help you and make sure you tip top shape before you go back on the field. Unfortunately since players are scared to be taken off of the field, doctors have gotten a bad rep. I believe that no matter how hard it may be to leave the field, you should listen to your doctor to make sure you will not regret it in the future.
Something to consider is the fact that “in March 2013, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) updated its 1997 guidelines on the evaluation and management of sports concussion. A major change is the removal of return-to-play recommendations.”(Medscape) Which is very important because concussions are a serious matter that can leave you with severe symptoms if not taken care properly. “Young athletes should be managed even more conservatively; their symptoms and neurocognitive performance take longer to improve after a concussion.” (Medscape) Players that think they can just take medication to cure their concussion are wrong. Also “the first 10 days after a concussion appears to be the period of greatest risk for being diagnosed with another concussion.” Meaning that patience is important concussions.
A way a doctor can diagnosis is with “symptom checklists, the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC), neuropsychological testing (paper-and-pencil and computerized), and the Balance Error Scoring System may be helpful tools in diagnosing and managing concussions but should not be used alone for making a diagnosis.”(Medscape) The player must be first be removed off the field immediately. “ A clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provided information regarding the diagnosis and management of sports-related concussions in adolescents and children. The recommendations explained that appropriate management is essential in order to reduce the risk of long-term symptoms and complications.” Doctors are just trying to make sure you do not have any long term symptoms. The AAP reports that the only way that a player should return to the field “requires a progressive exercise program, a complete absence of symptoms, successful completion of a standardized neuropsychological test, and continuing evaluation for any recurring signs or symptoms.” (Medscape) Most importantly a player should not be playing the same day as a concussion. And players should listen to doctors and make rash choices because they want to win a game.
