depression

Emerging science and expert consensus are challenging the notion that an extended period of complete cognitive and physical rest after concussion is necessary for recovery, and that concussed athletes need no more than 1-2 days rest at home, after which they should return to school with modifications to the school day as needed.

Concussion expert, Kevin Guskiewicz, PhD, ATC, Kenan Distinguished Professor and Director of the Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, says that, while he hesitates to say that any specific number of concussions should prompt a decision to retire from contact or collision sports, it is important for athletes and their parents to consider the long-term effects of concussion, including depression and memory impairment.

Sports concussion neuropsychologist Rosemarie Scolaro Moser, Ph. D., explains why a neuropsychologist is an important member of the concussion care team.

A concussion can lead a concussed athlete to experience serious emotional problems. Parents and schools, says sports concussion neuropsychologist, Rosemarie Scolaro Moser, PhD, therefore need to watch for signs of depression, and be pro-active in providing support for emotional issues resulting from concussion.