Sports Related Concussion
Unfortunately, it often takes a tragedy to bring awareness to issues in society, and that is exactly what happened in Washington State when a young teen, Zackery Lystedt, suffered a horrific sports related injury.
It was 2006 when Zackery was injured in a football game. Only 13 at the time, Zackery hit his head on the ground after tackling his opponent. In spite of the fact he was holding his head and in pain, he was returned to play later in the game. Following the second half of play, Zackery collapsed and was airlifted to Harborview Medial Center where he immediately underwent surgery to remove both sides of his skull to alleviate increasing pressure in his brain. The rehabilitation was long and included 20 months on a feeding tube and nearly three years before Zackery could stand up, but even then that simple feat was accomplished with help from others.
While tragic, the awareness Zackery’s injury brought to the world of concussions and youth sports has likely saved many from the same life altering consequences he experienced.
In May 2009 the State of Washington passed a bill titled the Zackery Lystedt Law, named in honor of the courageous young man. The driving force behind the law was to protect young athletes from the life altering consequences that concussions can bring and to educate coaches and other leaders of young athletes about the signs and symptoms of a brain injury.
The law requires that a youth athlete who has been removed from play due to a concussion may not return to play until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussion and receives written clearance to return to play from that health care provider. In addition, each year all players and their parents or guardians are required to read, sign and return an informed consent document that details the nature and risk of a concussion or head injury. Included in the document are signs and symptoms of a concussion.
In addition to informed consent for the players and their families, the law was designed to ensure all coaches are educated in the nature and risk of concussions and head injuries prior to the first practice.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 3.5 million sports related concussions occur each year in the United States. If you suspect that you or your child has suffered a concussion, see a medical provider right away. They can help evaluate the condition and get you or your loved one on the road to recovery.
For more information and to access resources related to the Zackery Lystedt Law, please visit http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Schools/EnvironmentalHealth/ConcussionManagement.aspx.
