Concussion statistics are alarming. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year at least 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries occur either as an isolated injury or along with other injuries.
Therapy for students post concussion often involve training to increase speed of information processing, improving working memory, sustaining attention and increasing reaction time.
Depending on the severity of the injury, executive functioning may also be involved. Whatever challenges the student athlete may have had before the injury may be exacerbated with the concussion. Each student and every injury is individualized which is another reason for pre-and post testing.
In December 2012, The Boston Globe reported that 350 public and private high schools in Massachusetts are using ImPACT, a computerized cognitive test that students take before they play so they have a baseline for comparison after a head injury.
Where Can You Find Resources?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has numerous resources for professionals and parents who have to make decisions involving concussions. Also, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) podcast provides care tips for parents, educators, and athletes alike.