Kim Gorgens: Protecting the brain against concussion

TL;DR

The speaker discusses the risks and concerns associated with concussions in kids who play sports, particularly football, and suggests ways to ensure their safety.

Transcript

So, a funny thing happened on my way to becoming a brilliant, world-class neuropsychologist: I had a baby. And that's not to say I ever went on to become a brilliant, world-class neuropsychologist. Sorry, TED. But I did go on to be a reasonably astute, arguably world-class worrier. One of my girlfriends in graduate school, Marie, said, "Kim, I figu... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Becoming a mother changed the speaker's career trajectory but not her worrying tendencies.
• 🤔 Concussions are a common occurrence among both children and adults, with over four million people sustaining a concussion each year.
• 💥 The average concussive impact is around 95 Gs, which can cause a range of symptoms including feeling foggy, dizzy, or impulsive.
• 🏈 Kids, especially high-school athletes, are more vulnerable to brain injuries and take longer to recover than adults.
• 🧠 The long-term impact of multiple concussions is still not fully understood, but research suggests a link between concussions and early-onset dementing disease.
• 🚲 To ensure the safety of kids in sports, it's important to educate oneself about concussions, speak up to support legislation, and ensure proper protective gear is used.
• 💡 Resources like the CDC's HEADS UP program and CO Kids With Brain Injury can provide valuable information and support for parents, teachers, and athletes.
• ⛑️ Wearing a helmet is one of the most effective ways to prevent concussions and protect against severe outcomes.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can parents ensure the safety of their kids who play contact sports?

Parents can ensure the safety of their kids by staying informed about concussions and understanding the risks associated with contact sports. They should also speak up and advocate for better safety measures, such as better protective equipment and proper legislation. Additionally, parents can encourage their kids to wear helmets and other safety gear to prevent injuries.

Q: Is it safe for kids to play football?

While the speaker does not give a definitive answer, she highlights the risks associated with football and concussions in kids. It is important for parents to weigh the potential risks and benefits before allowing their child to play football. By staying informed about safety measures and advocating for better protections, parents can make a more informed decision about their child's participation in the sport.

Q: How do concussions impact the brain, and are there long-term consequences?

Concussions result in changes in consciousness and can cause symptoms like fogginess, dizziness, and hearing ringing in the ears. While the brain is resilient and can recover from a concussion, repeated concussions can have long-term consequences. Research from the NFL suggests that retired players with multiple career concussions have a higher incidence of early-onset dementing disease. However, the long-term impact of multiple concussions is not fully understood.

Q: What resources are available to educate parents and athletes about concussions?

The speaker recommends two resources: HEADS UP, a program by the CDC focused on concussions in kids, and CO Kids With Brain Injury, which provides information for student athletes, parents, professionals, and coaching staff. These resources can help parents and athletes understand the risks, symptoms, and preventive measures associated with concussions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker, a neuropsychologist and a worried mom, shares her concerns about concussions in kids who play sports, focusing on her own son who plays soccer and wants to learn football.

• She highlights that concussions are common, with more than four million people sustaining one every year, and that kids are more vulnerable to brain injuries.

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of being informed, speaking up, and taking preventative measures like wearing helmets to ensure the safety of young athletes.