Monday Medical: Concussion tools help recovery

Ryan McConnell, 23, would like nothing more than to ski this coming winter and do other activities he enjoyed before his accident. Five months ago, McConnell fell 100 feet while hiking near Moab, Utah. His injures included a traumatic brain injury, which affected his cognitive skills, speech and other brain functions.

I know its going to be a long recovery, McConnell said. Physically, Im ready to start going out and doing stuff. But because of my head injury, I know I have to take it easy.

Monday Medical columns publish weekly in the Steamboat Today's Yampa Valley Health section. Read more columns here.

What: Group Baseline ImPACT Testing

When: 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday

Where: Steamboat Springs Middle School

Cost: $15

Details: Sign up is required. Call SportsMed at 970-871-2370.

Traumatic brain injury and concussion a less severe traumatic brain injury result from bumps, jolts or blows to the head or body. These most often occur from falls, car accidents and during sports/recreation activities. There is no such thing as a minor concussion; every potential brain injury should be taken seriously.

Good rest and treatment help many people with concussions regain much or all of their brain function. However, individuals who prematurely return to sports or activity risk getting a second concussion, which can cause permanent disability or death. Fortunately, research strides have provided doctors and therapists more and better tools for recognizing and managing brain injuries and gauging patients recovery progress.

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Monday Medical: Concussion tools help recovery