Heads up: Using Your Brain When Tackling Concussions

Introduction. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by biomechanical forces inflicted on the head or on the body, causing a change in the way the brain works. Risks of concussion are often underestimated, leading to inadequate management and premature return to play among athletes. Objective. Our study aim was to evaluate public awareness and knowledge of concussion and assess barriers to proper management and education. Methods. An anonymous survey assessing knowledge and attitudes toward concussion was designed after reviewing literature available on diagnosis and management. The survey was administered online and handed out at a school meeting concerning concussion. Populations included parents, coaches, athletic trainers, teachers, school nurses, physicians, physician's assistants and nurses who are associated with students in the Chittenden East Supervisory Union school district in Vermont. Results. From 446 total responses: 97% of the survey respondents felt the school district should have uniform guidelines; 61% (203/332) of parents surveyed did not feel well-informed about signs, symptoms and management of concussion; 23% (6/27) coaches and athletic trainers responded that the risk of concussion is minimal if a player is wearing the proper equipment. Conclusion. Respondents have a general knowledge base about concussions, but would like to have concise information provided to them, mostly in the form of a website. There is strong support for a standardized approach to concussion management in this school district. This model could be applied in other locations as a way to improve concussion management at the community level.