Neurologist to talk concussion safety

One of the best preventive measures when it comes to concussions in student athletes is appropriate ongoing education for the athletes themselves, their parents, coaches, trainers, and teachers.

As part of the spring sports registration night at Sisters High School, Wednesday, February 24, the athletic department, in collaboration with the Sisters Science Club, will host an informational meeting on concussions in youth sports.

Retired neurologist Dr. Robert Collins, former head of the UCLA neurology department, will provide a PowerPoint presentation in the gym beginning at 7 p.m., followed by spring sports meetings with the coaches. The meeting is required for all players and families who are participating in spring sports at Sisters High School.

Collins' talk will explore the most recent information on concussions and what can be done to help keep students safe.

"After more than 30 years of studies on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CET) in professional athletes, pathologists have found that the condition can begin in high school," explained Collins.

Attendees will take a look at who gets concussions in high school and why, as well as what happens inside the brain with a concussion and as the brain recovers. There will also be discussion about the role of students, parents, trainers, and coaches in preventing and treating concussions.

On hand for the evening will be individuals who play a big role as resources regarding concussion for Central Oregon students and parents.

Sonja Donohoe is the executive director of The Center Foundation in Bend, where all athletes involved in contact sports are provided with baseline testing that will help later to identify if a blow to the head has impacted brain function.

Dr. Vivian Ugalde is a neurologist at The Center, and Alex Walker is a trainer from The Center who works with athletes in Sisters.

Also in attendance will be SHS graduate Jenna Sneva, who knows first-hand the dangers and consequences of multiple unrecognized, untreated concussions. She had personal experience with concussions while engaged in both high school and non-school sports, and the subsequent debilitating post-concussion symptoms that impact her life to this day. Sneva's experience led to her advocacy for Jenna's Law, which extends required concussion training to coaches who work in non-school youth sports.

Collins recommends to everyone concerned with youth sports the book by Robert Cantu, "Concussions and Our Kids."

Sisters High School Athletic Director Tim Roth encourages "all families who have youth involved in our sports programs to attend."

Spring sports registration will begin at 5:30 p.m., closing promptly at 6:50 p.m. The mandatory concussion presentation followed by team parent/player meetings with the coaches will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Spring sports include: baseball; softball; tennis, golf; lacrosse; and track and field.