Concussions require specialized care Center for Concussion Management offers latest treatment approaches

She never saw it coming. Their crash course inConcussions 101: • More than just a bump on the head, A football slammed into the back of a concussion is a mild traumatic JoAnna Rockufeler’s head when the brain injury. seventh grader inadvertently stepped in • About 90 percent of concussions do front of a long pass thrown in her school not result in loss of consciousness. gym. A rough-and-tumble kid, she rested • Children and teens recover more awhile, then shook it off to play dodgeball. slowly, due to their developing brains, and are more prone to complications. Just to be safe, her mother later took her • Weeks, even months, may be needed to urgent care. The diagnosis stunned for the brain to fully heal and them: JoAnna had a mild-to-moderately cognitive skills to return to normal. severe concussion. Her condition soon grew worse, and parents John and “The hardest part in concussion Melody consulted doctors three times management is convincing everyone that next week. They watched helplessly to slow it down,” Lauer explained. as their social, confident, high-energy “Statistically, 80 to 90 percent of JoAnna vanished. She turned lethargic, concussions resolve within a month. riddled with anxieties and unable to sleep But in children, we are seeing the brain well. Attempts to return to school failed. take longer to fully heal.”

Then they met Stephen Lauer, MD, Each concussion patient responds PhD, pediatric concussion specialist at differently, Lauer noted, and JoAnna’s The University of Hospital’s recovery was longer than average. She Center for Concussion Management. spent five weeks at home on full brain rest: no TV, computer, texting, phone JoAnna Rockufeler, 14, triumphed over a concussion “It was so comforting finally to get she suffered when a football slammed into the back answers from an expert – and a plan,” chats, pop music, physical activity or of her head during PE class. Melody said. “Our school. Back in classes weeks later, she experience at the still needed a parent beside her for several end, the concussion center gave us our concussion clinic days to quell her anxieties. daughter back.” felt like solid ground under our feet after “It was frightening to have to watch Visit kumed.com/concussion to treading water for JoAnna struggle with anxiety, living learn about concussion symptoms two weeks.” in a fog,” Melody said. “But in the and treatment.

Concussion patients range from toddlers to professional athletes

Concussions are often difficult to diagnose sports medicine and pediatrics. A nurse The computerized evaluation assesses and treat, so it is crucial to seek care practitioner and a nurse navigator memory and reaction time. Student promptly from a concussion specialist. coordinate care from the first assessment athletes, for example, can be assessed The University of Kansas Hospital’s Center through post-concussion management. before the season begins – and then for Concussion Management is a leader in again if a head injury occurs. ImPACT is innovative treatment, care and research. A component of the concussion program among tools used to make return-to-play The team includes physician specialists is ImPACT, Immediate Post-Concussion decisions. Learn more at kumed.com/ in trauma, neurology, orthopedics/ Assessment and Cognitive Testing. impact or call 913-588-1227. Be a Chiefs player for a day! Chiefs Fantasy Camp benefits Center for Concussion Management

The University of Kansas Hospital’s Center for Concussion Management has Among the highlights … been chosen as the beneficiary of the May 15 inaugural Chiefs Fantasy Camp Cocktail reception and live May 15-16 at . auction for you and a guest • Pick up your football to have it autographed by Chiefs greats. “With proceeds from the camp, we’ll • Mingle with former players, be able to educate even more parents, plus John Dorsey, coaches Dick coaches and players of all athletic abilities Vermeil and , Chiefs to help them stay in the game safely,” said cheerleaders and KC Wolf. • Hear a panel discussion and Q&A Bob Page, hospital president and CEO. “If you have ever wondered with Mitch Holthus and the 2003 what it would be like to play Chiefs team. Ultimate fan experience for the Chiefs, now is your • Bid on , Dante Hall, Billed as the ultimate fan experience, chance to find out!” Priest Holmes and Christian Trent Green, co-chair Okoye to coach your team in the Chiefs Fantasy Camp offers a chance to Chiefs Fantasy Camp next day’s tournament. huddle up and learn from Chiefs greats: • Toss the pigskin under the lights Priest Holmes, Trent Green, Dante Hall, “This is truly going to be a once-in-a- at Arrowhead. Eddie Kennison, , Jan lifetime opportunity to step into the May 16 Stenerud, Shawn Barber and Anthony shoes of the NFL pros and see what Full-day field experience Davis. General Manager John Dorsey has happens behind the scenes,” said Pro • Break down film with some of the toughest competitors ever to signed on, as has Coach . Bowl quarterback Trent Green. He take the field at Arrowhead. co-chairs the event with David Gentile, • Suit up in your gear at your own president and CEO of Blue Cross and locker in the Chiefs locker room. Blue Shield of Kansas City. • Test your skills in quarterbacking, catching, field goal kicking and more alongside Chiefs greats. To ensure an up-close-and-personal • Preview the 2014 season with experience, the camp is limited to current players. 100 participants (must be 23 or older). • Hear a rousing pregame pep talk from Coach Dick Vermeil. A portion of the $2,000 ticket price is tax • Take the field for a 7-on-7 flag deductible. For more information, call football tournament. Jennifer Laubinger, Fund Development, • Compete for the Chiefs Fantasy at 913-588-2800. Camp trophy.

The inaugural Chiefs Fantasy Camp features some The University of Kansas Hospital is of the greatest players ever to take the field at Arrowhead. Proceeds benefit The University of Kansas the Official Healthcare Provider of the Hospital’s Center for Concussion Management. .

For full details or to buy tickets, visit kcchiefs.com/fantasycamp.

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