Shining a light on concussions

Sporting News

By Jeffrey Reed

Posted 2 months ago

A few weeks ago, I watched my 10-year-old niece land on the back of her head while playing minor hockey. Shaken up – and as a precaution – she didn't get up from the ice for five minutes. This was her second such incident; the first and more serious spill saw her in the back of an ambulance.

My niece has been lucky; she hasn't suffered a concussion. But for any athlete – male or female – there is always that risk. I've played sports my entire life, and odds are I've suffered a concussion, even though I was never diagnosed as suffering a head injury. But of course, we think of Sidney Crosby when we talk about concussions. The Pittsburgh Penguins superstar, the biggest star in the game today, has been out since January 5 since he took hits to the head in two consecutive games. At deadline, he is still listed as day to day.

Former NLHer Eric Lindros saw his career cut short by concussions and injuries. A recent inductee into the London Sports Hall of Fame, Lindros has been at the forefront in helping to educate the public about the danger of suffering a head injury. When he retired four years ago, he pledged $5 million to London Health Sciences Centre as a show of support for Dr. Peter Fowler and the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic.

The NHL and NFL – hockey and football in general – grab most sports headlines in terms of head injuries. I watched Western Mustangs wide receiver Brian Marshall collide head-to-head with a Guelph Gryphons opponent early into a game this season, then return to battle – despite the fact he had suffered a concussion. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick did the same this year.

Yet, there isn't enough coverage given to the fact, female athletes are just as much at risk as their male counterparts. Just ask Mustangs basketball star Jacklyn Selfe, a 5'11" guard who is sitting out this season after suffering her second concussion late last season. Selfe, 21, transferred from NCAA Division 1A Troy Trojans, where she was plagued by compartment syndrome. She has undergone two leg surgeries, the second which saw the removal of fascia surrounding affected muscles.

During the 2010 playoffs, Selfe suffered her first concussion. "It was an elbow to my cheekbone," Selfe said. "I didn't get knocked out, but I don't remember it. The second concussion, I knew what it was." Late in the 2011 regular season, Selfe took an arm to the back of the head. She's taking this season off as she recovers.

"Most people don't know what it's like to have a concussion," said Selfe. "It's one of those things, unless you've had a concussion, you can't really relate. I can tell you I have headaches, but for people who are dealing with (concussions), I don't have to say anything. They know.

"Now I have headaches, memory (loss), feel kind of foggy. It affects your school work. I initially had sensitivity to light and noise, and I felt nauseous. I have good weeks and bad weeks," said Selfe, whose basketball workouts only include shooting hoops alone on the court.

Selfe said there is a feeling of helplessness and frustration. She's not alone. According to Johna Register-Mihalik, Ph.D., A.T.C., a researcher at the Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, "Concussion rates may continue to rise. Athletes are getting bigger, stronger and faster, and people now often play sports year-round."

Professional and college sports associations now have stronger safety standards – the NHL reported recently that concussions are down this season. But every athlete – even a 10-year-old girl – needs to be aware of the dangers of head injuries.