Concussion concerns, Part 1
Updated: November 12, 2012
METAMORA -- Sports-related concussions are a cause of concern for players of all ages and their families. Stopping concussions has even become a focus from pros to little leagues. Reporter Eugene Daniel finds out how schools in Central Illinois are tackling the problem.
High school junior, Erik Inman, is a key part of the varsity football team. In his first season starting, he's already known for laying "the big hit."
"Someone will be like, 'oh, you just hit this kid really hard,' and I don't notice it. The next day, we watch it in film, and I guess I did."
But not all collisions have gone in Inman's favor. On September 21, in a game against Dunlap High, Inman took a devastating blow to the head.
"It goes from me hitting the kid to me laying, like, laying on the ground, and, uh, my entire body was tingling, and stuff like that. I was kind of numb and couldn't feel anything else."
Inman suffered a concussion.
"What goes through your mind when, you know, 'man, something's not right?'"
"It happens, and I just hope it's not too bad because I want to get back on the field as soon as possible."
For three days, he says he had headaches and couldn't focus. Team physician, Dr. Tim Kaufman, says schools are taking stories like Inman's more serious than ever.
"When we started covering Metamora in 1995, we didn't follow the same standards we follow today. And, it's become more aware and more research about how important it is."
Kaufman says a new series of tests have made it easier to identify concussions.
"The tests are to test their balance, their cognitive functions, like memory, and maybe some basic mathematical questions, memorizing a few words."
Now, state law prevents any athlete suspected of having a concussion from playing until being cleared by a licensed physician.
"So, if you wake up the next day, and you still have a headache, you don't go to practice, don't go to film study, you don't get to do your homework. You just totally get complete quiet and rest your brain."
There's no specific amount of time players are required to sit out. Erik was cleared in five days. One week after the hit and a concussion, he played in a game.
"I know it could hurt you down the road, but as long as it's not affecting me too badly, I probably won't think about quitting."
High school junior, Erik Inman, is a key part of the varsity football team. In his first season starting, he's already known for laying "the big hit."
"Someone will be like, 'oh, you just hit this kid really hard,' and I don't notice it. The next day, we watch it in film, and I guess I did."
But not all collisions have gone in Inman's favor. On September 21, in a game against Dunlap High, Inman took a devastating blow to the head.
"It goes from me hitting the kid to me laying, like, laying on the ground, and, uh, my entire body was tingling, and stuff like that. I was kind of numb and couldn't feel anything else."
Inman suffered a concussion.
"What goes through your mind when, you know, 'man, something's not right?'"
"It happens, and I just hope it's not too bad because I want to get back on the field as soon as possible."
For three days, he says he had headaches and couldn't focus. Team physician, Dr. Tim Kaufman, says schools are taking stories like Inman's more serious than ever.
"When we started covering Metamora in 1995, we didn't follow the same standards we follow today. And, it's become more aware and more research about how important it is."
Kaufman says a new series of tests have made it easier to identify concussions.
"The tests are to test their balance, their cognitive functions, like memory, and maybe some basic mathematical questions, memorizing a few words."
Now, state law prevents any athlete suspected of having a concussion from playing until being cleared by a licensed physician.
"So, if you wake up the next day, and you still have a headache, you don't go to practice, don't go to film study, you don't get to do your homework. You just totally get complete quiet and rest your brain."
There's no specific amount of time players are required to sit out. Erik was cleared in five days. One week after the hit and a concussion, he played in a game.
"I know it could hurt you down the road, but as long as it's not affecting me too badly, I probably won't think about quitting."
