Dr. Chris Ekong was a keynote speaker on Oct. 2, 2010, at the Brain Injury Association of Canada’s annual conference.
By Pamela Cowan, Leader-Post
REGINA — The results of a CT scan that is performed to diagnose a concussion can be normal, but the patient may not be, says Dr. Chris Ekong.
“Just because a CT scan is normal, it does not mean that there is no brain injury,” the Regina neurosurgeon told 200 delegates attending the final day of the Brain Injury Association of Canada’s annual conference in Regina on Saturday.
In his presentation, “Sports Concussion: A new definition and management of an old problem,” Ekong said the most accurate way of determining the degree of brain damage is to assess the level of consciousness.
“The new definition of concussion has evolved over the last seven years,” Ekong said.
“What the new definition has done is put it on record that loss of consciousness is not necessary.”
One assessment tool that medical professionals use is the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT 2). The tool lists 24 symptoms, questions to test memory and instructions to test balance.
Ekong suggests coaches and trainers carry a pocket-sized SCAT 2 card. If a player has one or more of the symptoms — which include loss of consciousness, headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, confusion and irritability — he should be immediately removed from play and taken to the emergency department for medical evaluation.
“I suggest that anybody who is joining the team have a SCAT 2 assessment on record so that if somewhere along the line the person is in an injury situation, we have a baseline to compare with,” Ekong said.
Concussions are not caused solely by a hit to the head. The brain can be injured by a blow to the head, face, neck or elsewhere on the body.
While helmets do not prevent concussions, Ekong said they are extremely important in preventing major head injuries.
His prescription for a concussion is simple.
“You must rest physically and you must also rest mentally,” he said. “Mental rest includes no TV, no video games, no homework or doing your income tax return. You wait until the symptoms are resolved.”
After the symptoms are gone, the person should gradually return to mild exercises. If there isn’t a problem, more strenuous exercises are to be resumed.
Larry Carlson, vice-president of the Brain Injury Association of Canada, said this was the first time Regina has hosted the association’s annual conference.
Attending were health-care professionals, brain injury survivors and family members.
“The conference is held to raise awareness about brain injury and certainly to give support to families and caregivers,” Carlson said.
“And as well for professionals who are working with people with brain injuries so they have all the latest tools to meet the needs of people.”
pcowan@leaderpost.com
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