Aaron Hernandez, Mike Webster, Junior Seau. These are just a few of the legendary athletes who have passed on due to the degenerative brain disease known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE.
CTE stems from repeated concussions or head trauma, resulting in cognitive decline and a sharp reduction in life span. According to the National Library of Medicine, an estimated 300,000 student-athletes experience concussions or other head-related trauma each year. Many of these athletes seem to brush off these harmful injuries, but concussions can have devastating effects, especially in the form of CTE later in life. Because of the new discoveries of the harmful effects of concussions, it is crucial to implement strict preventative policies and fast-acting procedures when concussions do occur.
To prevent concussions and the appearance of CTE later in life, Saint Viator High School has a strict policy regarding concussion prevention.
“Our coaches are well-rehearsed in keeping our athletes safe by promoting the CDC’s ‘Head’s Up’ campaign” said head Athletic Trainer Dr. Arika Smetana.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the “Head’s Up” campaign is one of the national initiatives dedicated to spreading awareness on concussion safety and lowering the risk of CTE later in life.
“When our students take their baseline concussion tests with the athletic trainers, we go over concussion safety and they know that if they sustain a hit to the head, they must report it to their coaches and to the athletic training staff” said Dr. Smetana.
At the beginning of each athletic season at Viator, baseline concussion testing is performed for all athletes and profiles are created to be utilized if the athlete suffers any form of head trauma throughout the season. The baseline test can be referenced to determine both the severity of the concussion and the progress the individual makes toward recovery.
“I think we have done our part in preventing concussions from our equipment,” said junior Aiden Stachura, a member of the St. Viator Hockey team.
In the experience of the hockey team, the baseline concussion testing, among other preventive measures, have prevented head injuries that could have resulted from contact with the sticks and pucks used in practices and games.
Even when every protocol is followed to prevent concussions, accidents still happen, and a plan needs to be in place for when concussions do occur.
“Saint Viator High School’s concussion protocol is created in compliance with Illinois State Law with concussion management.” said Dr. Smetana.
If an individual suffers a severe head injury during a practice or game, they are unable to continue playing and must be evaluated for a concussion by medical professionals. If the athlete is diagnosed with a concussion, they will continue to be monitored and will only be able to return to athletic activities once all symptoms are gone for a period of at least 24-hours and they have been evaluated by the Sway Medical Test. According to the Sway Medical website, the Sway Medical Test assesses concussion symptoms by measuring balance, cognitive function, and reactivity.
“I think Saint Viator has a very well thought out protocol put in place in regards to concussions,” said senior Anna Marqui.
To some, it may seem as if the number of athletes suffering severe head injuries and concussions has sharply increased in recent years, but this is not true.
“It is not that we are seeing more concussions,” said Dr. Smetana,“Concussions have always been an injury that has been dealt with. It’s the fact that more cases are being reported now because of all the available research, education, and dissemination of information being passed forward to athletes and families.”
As more research and information becomes available regarding concussions, along with the dangers they present, such as CTE, they are being discussed more frequently, gaining attention on a larger scale. Many students at Viator have suffered from concussions themselves.
“I have gotten a concussion and I know many others that have as well,” said Stachura.
“I have never had a concussion, but I know a few people that have,” said Marqui.
While concussions may not seem severe at the moment for many student-athletes, these head injuries can have devastating impacts later in life if they present themselves as CTE.
“I don’t think people take concussions seriously enough because they can affect your brain for your entire life if it’s severe,” said Stachura.
It is important to remember the risk of concussions and take any risk of a possible concussion seriously to prevent further lifelong damage.