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For more information… HealthLink provided by The Medical College of Wisconsin includes a feature on the growing concern about sports concussions in young and adult athletes. This article includes discussion about the signs, symptoms and current research efforts in this area. A study, conducted by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers and colleagues, found that repeated concussions brought on by blows to the head during their football playing days significantly boost the chances that retired professional football players will suffer dementias such as mild cognitive impairment in later life as well as a 37% higher risk for Alzheimer’s. Research presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 52nd Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA, April 29 May 6, 2000, indicates that more than half of retired players surveyed had experienced concussions. As a group, these players were more likely to have neurological complaints, ranging from memory problems to numbness in their extremities, later in life. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is an organization that speaks for neurosurgeons. The AANS is dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery in order to promote the highest quality of patient care. The American College of Sports Medicine promotes and integrates scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life. They have reported on the issue of concussions in football including recommendations for team physicians to properly evaluate, diagnose and treat concussions. KidsHealth is the largest and most-visited site on the Web providing doctor-approved health information about children from before birth through adolescence. Created by The Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media. They include a very informative article for parents about concussions in kids. |