More Education Needed On Concussion Awareness Says Senator
DETROIT (WWJ) - As many former NFL players say they've been injured by concussions, State Senator Jim Marleau is leading an effort to make it mandatory for schools and youth sports organizations to have concussion awareness programs.
"Just as we've been educated on the signs of stroke; I think we need to be educated on the signs of a concussion," Marleau told WWJ's Beth Fisher.
"You happen to be a player that's your teammate is in the huddle with you and he's acting a little bit different, I think you need to be able to recognize this and mention this," he said.
Beaumont's medical director of pediatric physical medicine & rehabilitation, Dr. Neal Alpiner says kids are getting concussions on the playground and in bullying situations too.
"It's more common than people think, because with teenagers and children the brains are still maturing and they are much more susceptible to any trauma or blow to the head."
"The National Football League is energizing this nationwide, because we are close to a crisis of people not aware that this is happening. It is not only in football, it's in soccer, it's in other sports," said Alpiner.
Alpiner says kids are getting concussions on the playground and in bullying situations too.
He says the symptoms include: headaches, dizziness , nausea and academic problems.
