Athlete concussions demand caution

The image, seen by millions across the nation, was frightening. An NFL player for the Philadelphia Eagles, first stumbling, then collapsing on the field during the second quarter of the first game of the season. Even scarier was what happened a short time later - the player, linebacker Stewart Bradley, was back in the game for several plays. He wasn't pulled for good for the obvious concussion until halftime.

As The New York Times asked Thursday: If a concussion this glaring can be missed, how many go unnoticed every fall weekend on high school and youth fields?

As many suburban high school football teams take to the field this season, it's clear that coaches, trainers, parents and players themselves need to be aware of the signs of a concussion and follow strict guidelines on how to deal with them. Statistics show that more student athletes are being treated for concussions.

How the pros deal with adversity oftentimes dictates how high school or youth athletes and those around them will react in similar situations. So, yes, as Bears fans, it may have been disappointing to hear that backup linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer's season was brought to a close this week because of a concussion, but it was also heartening to know that the Bears and Hillenmeyer were taking no chances.

"As someone who has been in the forefront of player advocacy of concussion awareness, I'm happy to see my team err on the side of caution," said Hillenmeyer. "But when it is my season that is cut short, it makes the complexity of the issues really hit home."

Indeed it is a tough call, but one that needs to be made. We are happy the NFL recognized this by instituting a stricter policy late last year that dictates when players can return. And we're very pleased the Illinois High School Association also has a new rule that calls for a player to be immediately removed if a concussion is suspected and not allowed back unless a medical professional gives the OK. This is true in all sports, not just football.

Northwest Suburban High School District 214 approved its own policy earlier this year ahead of the IHSA. "We all love sports and love working with the athletes," said Hersey athletic trainer Hal Hilmer. "We want to make sure they're as safe as possible."

In fact, Hillenmeyer and a former Hersey athlete whose wrestling career was cut short by concussions gave a presentation on the issue in June.

Key to recognizing a concussion is awareness of signs such as headache, nausea, dizziness and trouble concentrating. An athlete does not have be "knocked out" to have suffered a concussion.

Also key is proper treatment, which often means rest and not playing. Parents, coaches and athletes need to deal with that reality.