Sidney Crosby is arguably the most popular and famous hockey players on the planet. The proverbial double-edged sword applies to what Sid the Kid has endured over the past year.
The Associated Press published a piece that captures the turbulent path Crosby has been on:
“Crosby didn’t set out to be the most public case study on the mysterious lingering effects of concussions. He simply wanted to feel better and get back to doing what he loved. The road back has been more arduous than he ever possibly imagined when he was scratched out of the lineup following a game against Tampa Bay on Jan. 5 after experiencing what he’s since described as ‘fogginess’.”
Concussions, their treatment and diagnosis – particularly, early diagnostic evaluation have benefited from the fervent spotlight on Crosby. Scientific American describes some recent research that aims to arm coaches with some basic concussion assessment tools:
“Neurology researchers at the University of Pennsylvania think they may have found a solution—an easy-to-use two-minute reading test that can assess the likelihood that a concussion has occurred.”
Interestingly, some researchers did not need a spotlight to recognize the need for developing some innovative assessment tools. For years now researchers have been developing these tools. Lovell and Collins described these developments in their paper: “There are several computer-based management approaches under development to help provide the sports medicine clinician with neurocognitive data to better determine return-to-play issues following concussive injury. Specifically, four computer-based models have been detailed in the scientific literature. These include ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), CogState, Headminders, and ANAM (Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metric).”
The spotlight, as it were, has lead to an increase in awareness in the general public. That growing awareness has fantastic consequences. “Children’s emergency room visits for concussion increased 60% over eight years, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — but that’s not necessarily bad news.”
Soon after his injuries Crosby recognized the serious nature of concussions. The Toronto Star quoted Crosby, “People say mild concussion, but I don’t know if there’s really is such a thing. It’s a serious thing.”
Whether you call it concussion or brain injury – there is nothing “mild” about injuring your brain.
