Virtual themed conference on October 25 provides information on sports-related concussions

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"After the successful first Concussion Day last year and the positive response to the accompanying two-day symposium, this time we have put the focus on sport," explains Dr. Michaela Bonfert, Head of the Concussion Clinic at the Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital at LMU Klinikum. Because whether in professional, competitive, popular or school sports or in children's gymnastics - head injuries happen quickly in all age groups. In organized sport, around 44,000 concussions are documented every year in Germany. However, experts assume that the number of unreported cases is high. According to American data, the number of concussions that go unrecognized or untreated is probably around three times higher.

When parents, educators, teachers and coaches are confronted with such injuries, they are faced with the challenge of quickly assessing the situation correctly. The correct recognition of concussions is crucial in order to be able to maintain an appropriate recovery phase, thereby promoting recovery and avoiding long-term health consequences.

"The risk of injury should not be underestimated, especially in sport," says Dr. Susanne Schaefer, Managing Director of the CNS Foundation, "and this is precisely why, almost ten years ago, we launched the initiative "Protect your head! Concussions in sport" initiative almost ten years ago." Numerous tried-and-tested tools such as the GET app or the pocket card for recognizing concussion have been developed in dialogue with experts from medicine and sport and are particularly helpful for medical laypersons.

Versatile virtual program

At the virtual themed conference, interactive symposia will shed light on numerous aspects of sports-related concussions from various perspectives - both for adult athletes and for children and young people. These include the prevention of head injuries in sport, recognizing a concussion and dealing with affected athletes in acute situations, as well as procedures for tailored return-to-play management. In this case, return-to-management means the gradual return to sporting activities after a concussion.

The varied virtual program in two parallel streams ranges from communicating epidemiological facts to concrete prevention measures such as the K.E.K.S. test, a public relations tool for communicating the various symptoms of concussion. CME points for doctors will be applied for from the Bavarian Medical Association.

Background:

Concussion Clinic for children and adolescents at the Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Clinic Munich
The Concussion Clinic at the Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital of the LMU Clinic offers comprehensive care for children and adolescents with concussion. This care program ranges from pediatric neurological care and consultation directly at the initial presentation at the clinic to specialized follow-up care. For children and adolescents who do not recover quickly and fully after a concussion, therapy programs tailored to the individual are offered. In this way, the Concussion Team can work together with patients and their parents to ensure that children and young people are fit for their varied everyday lives as quickly as possible.

CNS Foundation
Help for people with traumatic brain injury, founded by Hannelore Kohl
Every year, around 270,000 people in Germany suffer a traumatic brain injury. 45,000 of them have to live with permanent physical and cognitive impairments after the accident. Around 800,000 people are permanently dependent on the support of carers or relatives. The aim of the CNS Foundation is to improve the quality of life of these people and enable them to participate fully. Through education and preventative measures, the foundation helps to reduce the number of accidents and the severity of head injuries. Further information: www.hannelore-kohl-stiftung.de

The initiative “Protect your head! Concussions in sport!”
The initiative “Protect your head! Concussions in Sport” initiative, the ZNS - Hannelore Kohl Foundation is working with renowned organizations, medical professionals and sports associations to raise awareness among athletes and their families, coaches, educators and doctors about the issue of concussions and possible consequences. Information on Concussion Day, the event on 25.10.2024 as well as the link to the app, the films and contact addresses of accident clinics and neuropsychologists can be found at www.schuetzdeinenkopf.de