School hosts concussion info night

By Ben Liu,
Bluedevilhub.com Staff–

Davis High School held a free Community Concussion Information Night  in the Brunelle Theater on Monday, Aug. 31 for athletes and parents. Information was provided by Manny Diaz, DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) of Sutter West, Jeffrey Tanji, MD, UC Medical Group, Melita Moore, MD, Head Team Physician at UC Davis and Athletic Director Jeff Lorenson.

The presentation explained that a concussion is mild traumatic brain injury. Symptoms of a concussion can affect balance, vision, concentration and memory, and typically show themselves within 24-48 hours of the incident.

However, other conditions, such as dehydration, may have similar symptoms to a concussion. In order to differentiate between a dehydration and a concussion, baseline concussion tests are offered through the district for students.

The information night also discussed recovery from a concussion. During recovery, there is no need to constantly keep the athlete awake. Rest and cognitive rest are needed, meaning no cell phones, TV, reading, video games or physical activities.

To treat pain, an athlete may take Tylenol because it has no anti-platelet effect. However, Aspirin and other ASA (acetylsalicylic acids) or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) should not be used. If a second concussion occurs before fully recovering from the first, the effects may be far more severe.

In order to prevent concussions, DHS now has new impact monitoring helmets used by the varsity football team to alert a coach when a certain level of impact occurs. They may help detect unnoticed concussions in players and make sure necessary steps are taken for athletes’ health.

“Most importantly, love and respect your brain,” Tanji said.

Parents attending the event praised the presentation.

“It was well said, interesting and was some good information,” parent Tom Locker said.