Richard Ostrup, MD, of Neurosurgical Medical Clinic of La Jolla (Calif.), warned that concussions in young athletes can be very serious.
Here are six points:
1. Dr. Ostrup said only 10 percent of patients with concussions actually lose consciousness, so if athletes are displaying confusion, disorientation or memory loss they need to stop playing.
2. Although professional athletes suffering concussions rallied awareness, Dr. Ostrup does not think it is enough. He recommended that all individuals take the responsibility to educate themselves about the symptoms.
3. "Return to play" guidelines emphasize the education of parents, coaches, teachers and athletic trainers to create a protocol for removal of athletes who may have suffered concussions. Since many young athletes do not have athletic trainers, these other adults need to bear the responsibility.
4. Dr. Ostrup encouraged tracking the frequency and outcomes of concussions among young athletes. The San Diego-based Agency for Student Health Research is already one step ahead of him with its mobile app, InjureFree, which documents youth sports injuries.
5. Dr. Ostrup is the co-inventor of the Camino Intracranial Pressure Monitoring Device.
6. He specializes in concussions and sports neurosurgery, as well as spine, complex spine, brain tumors and peripheral nerves.
"It all boils down to the player and his or her teammates," said Dr. Ostrup. "We have to step back and become aware of the issue, use keen observation skills for your players on the field."