YMCA: Educating Parents ad Youth About Concussions   Low Moor, VA (May 8, 2025) - In the world of youth sports, strength, stamina and skill are often praised, but safety must always come first. Concussions are not just “bumps on the head.” They are a type of Traumatic Brain Injury and should be taken seriously. The Alleghany Highlands YMCA’s Healthy Highlands Program recognizes the importance of educating parents and youth about the dangers of concussions. Young athletes receiving a school physical this month through LewisGale Hospital - Alleghany or Bath Community Physicians Group will receive concussion information. The Alleghany Highlands YMCA is pleased to partner with various community organizations to raise awareness and provide education on this important topic. “It is our responsibility as parents and coaches to educate ourselves and our children about the significant long-term effects of concussions, stand together to help prevent head injuries and facilitate a proper recovery if a concussion does occur,” said Dr. Sandra McHenry, Alleghany Highlands YMCA Healthy Highlands Program leader. “Concussions are very serious and should be taken seriously.” A concussion occurs when a hit or jolt to the head or even to the body causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This sudden movement leads to chemical changes in the brain and damage to neurons or nerve cells. Symptoms can appear immediately or be delayed for hours. These symptoms can last for weeks or months, and repeated concussions, especially if a second one occurs before the first has fully healed, can result in long-term complications, including chronic headaches, cognitive difficulties and mood disorders. Children’s brains are still developing. Their brains are lighter and have thinner nerve cell insulation, making them more vulnerable to injury. It is important to remember that no direct hit to the head is required for a concussion to occur. A hard hit to the body that causes the head to snap back can still cause a concussion. Also, there may not be a loss of consciousness or “blacking out.” Imaging of the brain may be done if a concussion is suspected but may not be necessary for diagnosis. Most people with a concussion will have a normal CT, MRI and x-rays. This does not mean there is no injury but that the changes are microscopic and not well visualized on scans. These are some of the signs (what others notice) of a concussion: appears dazed or confused, answers questions slowly or incorrectly, forgets events before or after the hit, loses consciousness (even briefly) or shows changes in personality or behavior. The person experiencing a concussion may complain of these symptoms: headache or pressure in the head, nausea or vomiting, balance issues or dizziness, blurred vision, light or noise sensitivity, feeling sluggish, groggy or “off” or difficulty concentrating or remembering. If anyone experiences any of these signs or symptoms or if there is concern that they have experienced a concussion, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends immediate removal from play, and the athlete should be seen by a medical provider within 24-48 hours. Certain signs and symptoms require immediate evaluation. These include unequal pupil size, increasing drowsiness or difficulty waking, worsening headache, slurred speech, numbness or weakness, loss of coordination, seizures, repeated vomiting, increasing confusion or agitation or any loss of consciousness. If any of these symptoms are present, call 911 or go to your local emergency department. Once the athlete has been evaluated by a health professional and has been provided written instructions on return to play, those instructions should be followed along with the CDC HEADS UP Concussion Return-to-Play Progression. 1. Back to school and regular activities. 2. Light aerobic activity (e.g., walking, stationary cycling). 3. Moderate activity (e.g., running, basic drills). 4. Heavy, non-contact activity (e.g., weight training). 5. Practice with full contact. 6. Return to full competition. Each step should take at least 24 hours, and if symptoms return, the athlete must step back and resume the previous level. Unfortunately, repeated concussions may result in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. This is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that develops over time due to the cumulative effect of repeated blows to the head. Even repeated minor hits or sub-concussive impacts can result in this disease. CTE is characterized by an abnormal buildup of a protein called tau which forms clumps that spread throughout the brain. The result is brain atrophy or shrinkage, enlarged ventricles (fluid filled spaces within the brain), loss of neurons and degeneration of both frontal and temporal lobes. As the disease progress, it can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, confusion and dementia. Currently, there is no cure for CTE. Considering all the harmful consequences of concussions, the outdated mentality of “shaking it off” has no place in modern youth sports. Recognizing the signs and symptoms and taking action, including supporting a safe recovery process, protects not just the student athlete’s season but their future. For more information on concussions and the CDC HEADS UP Guidelines visit https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/about/index.html For additional information on the Alleghany Highlands YMCA Healthy Highlands Program, email Dr. McHenry at smchenry@ahymca.org or call (540) 962-9622.

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