Sometimes sustaining a concussion can bring back memories of other similar injuries, that at the time did not register as concussions, the most recent case is Josh Thole of the New York Mets, Andy Martino of New York Daily News;
Josh Thole returned to Citi Field Tuesday for the first time since suffering a concussion in Philadelphia last week, bringing news both positive and alarming: The catcher has been symptom-free since Friday, but estimated that he has already suffered three or four concussions in his professional career.
“I don’t know the grading system of a concussion, but I got whacked pretty good in ’07 and ’08,” said Thole, 25. “The one in 2007 I think was more significant, just because I had vomiting and stuff like that. In 2008, it was more whiplash than anything, but I think it was still graded a concussion.”
Thole obviously needs some education regarding the fact that we don’t grade concussions any longer, however he does realize he has had a history, which will help in his recovery;
The catcher, on the seven-day disabled list, hoped to be cleared for light exercise shortly. he also expressed optimism that this concussion was not severe. Still, he stressed caution, and mindfulness of the potential severity of head injuries.
“It’s something that you don’t want to rush back into,” he said. “You want to definitely build back up. You just want to listen to what the doctor has to say.”
I can speak from personal experience of a catcher the many innocent looking foul balls and the helmets hitting your head seem like nothing and getting a little “stary eyed” after each one was part of the game and position. What we didn’t know is that our brains had been rattled, effectively causing a concussion.
There is a track record for concussion and catchers, the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals – Mike Matheny – ended his playing career due to concussions. Here is to hoping Thole can recover and continue a great career.
The Concussion Blog 