Marion conference to examine concussions among student athletes

Dr. DeAnn Fitzgerald calls concussions the “invisible injury.”

“Sports, cheerleading – any time you're upright,” an athlete can be at risk of a concussion or brain injury, Fitzgerald said.

A conference that begins Friday explores the treatment of concussions, especially among student athletes.

Tackling Concussions: More than Meets the Eye is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Kirkwood Training & Outreach Services Center, 3375 Armar Dr., Marion.

Athletic trainers, occupational therapists, chiropractors, nurses and other health care providers are scheduled to attend from Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa, said Fitzgerald, Cedar Rapids Vision In Motion founder, who organized the event.

The conference is also open to parents and others interested in learning more about Iowa's mandated concussion protocol.

That legislation, which took effect last July, requires medical approval before injured high school athletes are allowed to resume playing.

Fitzgerald noted that 1.6 to 3.8 million Americans suffer sports-related concussions every year and 40 percent of concussion patients experience some type of vision problem.

She has seen patients with concussions at her practice, including some with subtle symptoms, such as headaches or difficulty reading.

Athletes who return to action too soon can sustain “second impact syndrome,” a deadly or disabling second blow that can happen minutes or even weeks after the initial concussion, Fitzgerald said.

The conference will include information on ImPACT Applications, a software program that aids in the diagnosis and treatment of concussions.

FYI

• What: Tackling Concussions: More than Meets the Eye
• When: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, February 24, and Saturday, February 25
• Where: Kirkwood Training & Outreach Services Center, 3375 Armar Dr., Marion.
• Other: See: www.crvim.com or call (319) 364-2311 for more information or to register.
• Walk-ins also welcomed.
• Registration fee includes continuing education credits, refreshments and lunch. Friday registration also includes a 200-page ImPACT information manual.

Cedar Rapids Vision In Motion, 3235 Williams Blvd SW, is a not-for-profit vision wellness and rehabilitation center.