Tag Archives: Sidney Crosby

This is a Current Treatment for the Concussive Episode

2 May

First and foremost there is no “scientific” evidence of actual medical effectiveness with the product, however there has been recent and popular observational data to suggest that this modality and product may help.  The said product is the GyroStim;

The GyroStim™ is a fully automated, computer-controlled multi-axis rotating chair. Its spacious design is comfortable and safe, and can accommodate many types of individuals ranging from small children to elite athletes to those with significant disabilities.

I bet any sports fan out there has seen it, it was highlighted in the recovery of Sidney Crosby and most recently another NHL star Guillaume Latendresse of the Minnesota Wild.  The thought process is that when a concussion occurs one of the systems affected is the vestibular.  For the layman the vestibular system is responsible for our awareness in space using very fine and specific equipment in the inner ear.  Imagine when you were younger and had just gotten out of a pool from swimming and had water in your ears, then you decided to shake your head or run real fast and found yourself “a bit off”.  This is similar in nature with a concussion, the violent forces to the head can create a disruption of this system, Continue reading →

About these ads

Tags: , ,

Crosby Follow Up

2 Feb

As expected the Sidney Crosby news made the numbers move, especially in Canada, along with that I have only heard more questions than actual answers.  The inbox was full of speculation and “told you so, it’s not a concussion”, or “told you so Crosby was being a (insert your expletive)”, however there was NOT ONE email that could shed light on an actual diagnosis.

I asked all the emailers if I could re-print their submissions and none took me up on the offer, except one, and his opinion is one of clarity and perspective.  This email also provided the closest thing to what could be the actual issue.  Below you can read it in full (in the email correspondence we never hammered out if he wanted his name published, so it will remain anonymous); Continue reading →

Tags: , ,

Crosby Issue “Not a concussion”??

1 Feb

The most scrutinized concussion of all-time has now evolved into something completely different.  With this new information how many people will be rushing out to spinal trauma experts to find out if they are dealing with this “soft tissue” injury?  If nothing else this has provided some hope for Sidney Crosby, especially after it was again confirmed that he did not have any evidence of a neck fracture;

“There’s a pretty big possibility that I could be causing some of the issues and I hope that’s the case,” Crosby said. “I hope that it’ll improve and that’s hopefully the end of it.”

BE CAREFUL, although his team of experts have now ‘discovered’ this issue (can someone provide us with specifics including an actual diagnosis) Sidney Crosby did/still has a brain injury.

With this injury to the neck it is a wonder that Continue reading →

Tags: ,

NHL Concussion Thoughts

29 Dec

Recently there has been a spike in awareness and number of concussions in the National Hockey League.  Last year we began compiling the injuries in our database to see where the sport stands (we also do NFL, NCAA football, and Aussie Rules Football).  When Sidney Crosby sustained his initial concussion in the Winter Classic last year it seemed that NHL has begun to take notice.

It was refreshing to see The Star of the NHL deal with the brain injury with some transparency, although he endured some criticism what Crosby did was set into motion the awareness of concussions.  Last season prior to the new year it was very difficult to find actual listed concussions; they were veiled in “upper body” or “undisclosed” listings.  In some cases the injury was improperly reported as a neck or shoulder injury; a sign that the concussion was either a) not understood (unlikely) or b) needed to be hidden.

Before you read on it is important to understand the position of the blog and this author about concussions.

Concussions, brain injuries, are an inherent part of collision sports.  There is very little in the way of equipment that can prevent concussions, the only way to impact a positive change (see decrease) is to address the culture and mechanics of sports.  This does not mean that professional sports should be outlawed, rather subtly changed to protect those that play, not only for the immediate time, but for the long-term health of the athletes.  With this; Continue reading →

Tags: , , , , , ,

Pronger out for season with concussion, but Crosby still considered the ‘pussy’

16 Dec

Former Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell was once quoted in describing what he termed to be the “wussification of America.”  If we look at this “wussification” in the spectrum of hockey’s concussion debate within the keystone state (the commonwealth of Pennsylvania), may we draw conclusions on differences between the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins?  This is, of course, a heated in-state rivalry, and both teams understand the effects that concussions can have on even the brightest of players.  In the past, the Flyers have seen the woes of the likes of Eric Lindros and Keith Primeau.  The Penguins have seen their young star in Sidney Crosby miss much of last season on top of additional games missed this season.

Yesterday, ESPN published a report stating that one of the Flyers’ best players, Chris Pronger, would be out for the remainder of the season due to post-concussion syndrome.  Pronger has not seen the ice since November 19th.

And for quite some time now we have all heard the news of Sidney Crosby’s recurring symptoms.  His career now may be in question.

But with regards to this “wussification,” as we may bend its direction toward the hockey organizations in Pennsylvania, there are some clear polarities between both fan bases between the Flyers and Penguins.  This is coming from the observations of an outside-observing indifferent viewer of the sport who is from Philadelphia and attends college in Pittsburgh—me. Continue reading →

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Crosby has patience, what about the sports media?

24 Nov

It was really exciting seeing Crosby score his first (and second) goal and play so well the entire night!

One thing that many in the sports media overlook, however, is the importance of fatigue with brain injury. I don’t know how much fatigue has effected Crosby, but I would caution them that even though he can play well, with lots of energy for a game or a few games, there could very well be days when his body kind of shuts down or doesn’t react as quickly as he’d like. Before the hockey commentators anoint him scoring champion, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him miss a game or two based on fatigue or other concussion symptoms.
This is by no means a medical assessment, Continue reading →

Tags: ,

Guess Who’s Back?

21 Nov

I would hope the news has not escaped you – Google ‘concussion’ in the news chronologically you would find 64 of the first 80 articles are devoted to one thing; the return of Sidney Crosby.

It has been 11 months and 14 days since he was last on the ice when he was playing with a concussion he suffered the game before.  Upon getting his head jarred against the boards the symptoms were too much (called a “mild concussion” by his coach) and so began his difficult return to play.  This incident has been the most covered concussion management/recovery/rehabilitation in history and at times many thought he would not return.  Others thought he should have been on the ice faster, regardless he is back.

The most important factor in this case; the emphasis on full recovery before return to play.  Many times it was reported Continue reading →

Tags: ,

Tuesday Quick Hits

4 Oct

A quick buzz around the net on a Tuesday morning.

NHL handing out suspensions and fines like candy for illegal hits;

In the pre-season, hardly a day went by without a new video. Most players applauded the crackdown but others worried it may turn NHL hockey into no-hit shinny.

Nine players have been slapped with 31 regular season games worth of suspensions for incidents in exhibition games. Together, they will forfeit more than US$701,000 in salary.

==========

NFL to create a better study;

The N.F.L’s first attempt at a long-range study on the effects of concussions was riddled with problems from the manner in which data was collected to conflicts of interest for those overseeing it. After criticism from outside experts and even members of Congress, the study was shut down by the league in late 2009.

The previous study run by Ira Carson, MD was a joke from the beginning and this one seems to much more transparent and studying the correct people.  Initial reports have the study examining upwards of 1,400 individuals in three groups: former NFL’ers, college football players not playing in the NFL, and a control group.  The official presentation to Commissioner Goodell has yet to occur but is going to happen soon.

==========

Crosby officially out; Continue reading →

Tags: , , , ,

Many NHL Players Coming Back From Concussion

27 Sep

If you are a casual follower of sports then you for sure know the plight of Sidney Crosby and his long comeback from his concussion he sustained on New Years Day.  Recently he has been doing “much better” according to sources and believes that he is much closer to a return to full go;

Sidney Crosby believes he is getting closer to being cleared for contact.

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ star was pleased after going through another trouble-free practice Monday, a day after taking part in a scrimmage in which hits were banned.

“Obviously, the more good days you have, the nearer you get, and, hopefully, we’ll get there shortly,” said Crosby, who is recovering from a concussion that occurred more than eight months ago.

However there is a huge difference between practice in a controlled setting, where no hitting is allowed, and an uncontrolled game.  It would be a massively different story if the NHL were to ban shots to the head, but that is a rant for a different day.  The reason you know about “Sid The Kid” so well is that he is not only the face of a franchise but the NHL itself.

Is Crosby the only one dealing with such issues?  The answer is an emphatic no.  Below are other players in the NHL using the off-season to get healed up after concussion. Continue reading →

Tags: , , , , ,

Hockey Gets Underway Friday

20 Sep

The National Hockey League began its preseason media blitz yesterday with a heightened awareness on the head injury in the sport of hockey.  Last season the NHL adopted Rule 48, banning blind side contact to the head, it was later expanded at the Winter General Manager Meetings to include lateral contact.

At the same time other leagues were continuing with their rules of no head contact; International Ice Hockey Federation (international sanctioning body of the sport), the NCAA, and possibly the biggest contributor of NHL talent the Ontario Hockey League.  The NHL with the ingrained “tough guy” mentality of the general managers and the deep seeded tradition of the game seem to be missing the point.

The league’s best players, Continue reading →

Tags: , , ,

Crosby to Speak Out Today

7 Sep

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby is planned to speak to the media this afternoon, at 12:30PM ET, of his progress regarding his post-concussive condition which has put a halt to the current moment of his shining career.  Today will mark the first time since the previous NHL season where Crosby will publicly describe the extent of his injury, as he has clearly been heavily scrutinized and shamed due to the extensive time he has lost and failed to provide to the growing spectrum of hockey.  Whom many may consider the face of professional hockey, Crosby stands hopeful for a promising return but still remains unsure of his medical future.

Specialists in Georgia and Michigan have been monitoring the course of Crosby’s recovery for several months now, and until recently they found him to be at what was considered to be a 90% recovery, though headaches would gradually return only to provide that cloud of doubt around him and his closest friends and family.  The complications of the concussion injury are at most difficult and different in every case, and by matter of it happening to the Penguins’ prodigy, the hockey audience now presents itself with a real-time situation that clarifies the implications of mild traumatic brain injury, as well as displaying the vulnerability of the most valued players in the league. Continue reading →

Tags: , , , , ,

Hockey World Awaiting Words From Crosby

7 Sep

In roughly two and a half hours from now Sidney Crosby will be going on record with “something” regarding him and his career.  Speculation has been rampant with what he is going to say; from “hi” to “I am retiring”.  First of all, Crosby is 24 years old and has a bright future ahead of him, IN HOCKEY.  Secondly, he stands to make $16 million over the next two years, money makes the world go round.

Before we give our educated (and probably wrong) guesses as to what Sid The Kid will have to say let us review what happened and how this is not only a sport issue but a player issue, even Crosby can make mistakes; Continue reading →

Tags: , , ,

Hockey Camps Almost Open; What Have We Learned

18 Aug

North America concussions are mainly focused on two sports: football and hockey.  Rightfully so as the youth level of these sports are ever growing so the impetus is on all of us to be aware of the injury and it’s proper management.  Sean Meister of Fox Sports ran a story about the work that has yet to be done in the NHL;

It’s worrisome when a player of Crosby’s importance continues to encounter symptoms eight months after the injury. Yes, Crosby is the face of the NHL in many respects. His injury is harmful to the league and is causing some headaches for the NHL brass. Fortunately for those in the NHL offices, they don’t have to suffer the same headaches as Crosby.

The reality is that Crosby is a 24-year-old with a serious injury to his brain. Nothing should take away from that scary reality.

Although Rule 48 was put in place, some modifications still need to be made in the NHL.  How about this change/update; Continue reading →

Tags: , ,

High Profile Rugby & NHL Announcement Part 2 & Crosby

15 Mar

The International Rugby Board instituted greater safety for concussed players by updating their protocol.  The trouble is, we cannot find a text of exactly what this new protocol is.  Nevertheless the IRB changes are being tested this week by Ireland player Eoin Reddan;

Reddan lasted less than two minutes of the defeat to Wales on Saturday after suffering a concussion just 60 seconds into the game at the Millennium Stadium.

Although he is recovering well he will have to see a neurologist this week as part of the concussion management under the IRB concussion ‘Return to Play’ protocols.

While Reddan has not been ruled out of the England match, Ireland have been boosted by Tomas O’Leary’s return to fitness following a back problem.

We can see that constant monitoring of the injured, along with further clearance from a neurologist is part of this protocol.  Reddan is most high profile athlete to take part in the new IRB ‘rules’ with concussions.  It will be interesting to see how Reddan and rugby deal with this.  The next match, versus England, is scheduled for Sunday.

SOURCE

==========

The NHL further broke down their stats Continue reading →

Tags: , , , ,

Editorial, Crosby, Morneau & Ice Meets Ice

11 Feb

Sean Meister of Fox Sports Inside Hockey took a stance against the concussion problem beginning to plague the NHL.  In his editorial he used the instances of Sidney Crosby and Marc Savard as examples of how the NHL might not be doing enough.  Meister contends that even though the “more is needed” group is valid in all conversations, sometimes they are more worrisome than valid, this instance in hockey and with concussions is no such case.

Concussions are more than statistics on games lost and player performance. They are more than media buzz, commentator talking points and a reason to attack the game of hockey. And, ultimately, concussions are more than just a reality of a physical sport.

Often lost in all the analysis of what causes concussions is the result and aftermath of them.

This is where we stand on the issue as well.  The injury is going to occur in sport and life, but how we, as players, coaches, medical professionals and parents (just to name some) handle them is the real issue.  However the prevention of the injury itself is also an issue that should be addressed, and it is.

Currently we have only limited data suggesting the long-term effects of concussive episodes, and although they are very powerful,  waiting for all long-term studies to finish may be too long.  This issue takes a multidimensional approach including prevention, research, trial (and error), new evaluation tools, and management.  Is it the best we can do, yes…  Because doing nothing and ignoring the issue and denying the fact that something is happening is ‘dirty pool’ to all that have and will sustain concussions.

==========

Sidney Crosby is taking the recovery serious, Continue reading →

Tags: , , , ,

Hockey’s Headway

8 Feb

The spotlight on concussions has shifted its focus on the NHL, as the conclusion of the NFL’s 2010-2011 season marked the beginning of a period in which the sports community’s reliance on hockey in addressing the issue has become stronger now more than ever.  Marc Savard’s season has been terminated, and the league’s most notable star in Sidney Crosby is still sidelined from post-concussion symptoms that have plagued his health for the last several weeks.  The authors (Scott Burnside & Pierre LeBrun) of ESPN’s Cross Checks Blog’s most recent post, entitled “Daily Debate: Don’t think concussion issue is important? Two words, Keith Primeau,” looked to Primeau for his opinions and observations of the NHL’s most recent policies.  Primeau’s career came to an early end in 2006 after a series of concussions throughout his career forced him to leave the game.

“I’m much more comfortable with the position and the stance that the league has taken and shown.”"I was very discouraged and disappointed for an extended period of time following my last concussion and the difficulties I’ve gone through, because I didn’t feel they [the NHL] were being proactive enough, and I was really saddened by it.”

With regards to how the NHL can effectively implement guidelines to address the concussion issue…

“There’s still a long way to go, but I think I understand it a bit more now from the perspective that when you’re trying to implement change, it’s not just ‘make decision and go through with it.’ There’s a lot of positioning that needs to be cut through to make it happen.” Continue reading →

Tags: , , , ,

NHL Concussion Report 2.7.11

7 Feb

Each week we scour the web to find concussions in the National Hockey League.  We will keep a running tally on that information as the season progresses.  However, it is not easy as the NHL has decided that listing injuries as “upper body” or “undisclosed” is a good indicator of actual injuries occurred.  Our list is believed to be as accurate as possible, even including injuries that have vague listings but through reports and video analysis should be classified as concussions.

The Concussion Blog Original of keeping track of NHL concussion is back after a week off due to All-Star action.  The biggest name on the list, Sidney Crosby, continues to be out of action, but more have made the list.

New Additions;

  • Comeau, Blake, NYI
  • Green, Mike, WAS

Total NHL Concussions = 55

As we have ranted about many times; suspicious listings of injuries keep popping up, for example a goalie, Jonas Hiller, has been listed to have “fatigue”, which is very possible, but quotes from him like this give reason to pause;

“(I’m) a little worn down, a little light-headed,” Hiller told the Orange County Register following Saturday’s 3-0 win over the Colorado Avalanche. “It’s weird. I don’t know. It doesn’t seem right.

There are other listings like “inner-ear” and “orbital bone fracture” that may indeed be the case, however those could also be associated with concussive type forces or symptoms.  The NHL is the KING of misinformation regarding injury, and for the most part it has merit (other players will target injury).  However, when it comes to the head nothing should be hidden, as getting a total grasp on the issue at had is paramount.

Tags: , ,

Rise of NHL Concussions Bad Luck?

1 Feb

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was recently quoted (AP Story):

“(He)…. believes the rise in NHL concussions this season is a result of “bad luck”.

He went further in saying:

“I’m not saying that no concussions came from hits to the head, but it appears that the increase is coming from somewhere else,” Bettman said.

Before I critique either of those comments, I will preface this by saying it is possible these quotes were taken out of context of a longer conversion not covered in the AP story.  Personally I believe Commissioner Bettman was really stating that it  was its “bad luck” that the league superstar (aka Sidney Crosby) sustained a concussion and brought increased media attention to NHL concussions.  But regardless of the intent of the comments, this headline should be seen as a negative for the league.

As this blog has extensively covered, this NFL season vaulted ‘concussions’ into the public consciousness and conversation.  As a result, many states and organizations are now rushing to create and enforce  stronger return-to-play guidelines.  I don’t think there are many informed medical professionals that will agree with the Commissioner’s assessment that the increase in concussions is purely related to statistical chance or luck.  With the league struggling to regain and retain fans post-lockout and TV viewers post-Olympic bump, many will agree that the speed, the hits and the fights (true even though the NHL will deny it) are the main draws of the sport.

As we have and many other media outlets have reported, the NHL has Continue reading →

Tags: , , ,

Concussion Talk Post

16 Jan

Nick Mercer of concussiontalk.com posted this today and asked that I share it.  You should head over there for further discussion.

This clip in which he gives an update on his condition is very good education not only for younger hockey players, but for anyone interested about the effect a concussion has on athletes (especially those as competitive and talented as Sidney Crosby) – it’s 9 minutes long, but he describes the way he feels, the seriousness of the injury and the general confusion surrounding concussions. To anyone who has had a concussion or another type of brain injury, his description makes sense, to most others, it doesn’t.

The NHL and Sidney Crosby have an excellent education opportunity right now. Younger athletes and contemporaries alike can see the importance with which the NHL is treating concussions.

Tags: ,

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 4,399 other followers