~ From Sean Connors, MRU Director of Coaching~

"Concussions are a reality in today's sports world. I suffered from countless concussions and they ended up ending my playing career earlier than planned. All MRU Coaches are given information about concussions in hopes that they can be identified as accurately as possible. Unfortunately this isn't always possible. By partnering with the North Coast Concussion Program it will give all of our families the best possible way to identify concussions. I strongly recommend that every player takes the time to take part in this very important testing process!"


~From Beth Larsen, HSU Concussion Management Program~

The testing is important for all athletes under the age of 25 who play a sport where concussion is a risk, regardless of whether or not they have had a previous head injury. The brain is still developing until 25 (the frontal lobe even until 30) and the younger the athlete, the greater the risk of concussion and the longer the recovery. Click HERE for a flier that I put together and two other informational pamphlets to help explain the test and the need.

The purpose of the testing is not for research. I have been testing area athletes for the last 3 years under a research grant that included MHS, FUHS, CR, and HSU. However, from here on out, my goal and the goal of the Concussion Program is to serve area youth athletes in the proper management of concussions at the lowest possible cost for community members. Education is also an important component of that. ImPACT computerized neurocognitive testing is the gold standard for concussion management. Some states require the testing by law. California does not, as of yet, but I am sure they will soon.

The baseline test/consultation should be administered to all youth athletes at baseline/normal, before their season gets under way. That way, if they ever suffer from a head injury of any kind, we will have an in-depth picture of what their normal neurocognition looks like and be able to compare it to their post-injury performance in order to help prevent/mitigate any possible lasting effects. Once they are back to normal and symptom free, we help go over a safe return-to-play strategy to ensure that each athlete is fully recovered. The cost is $25 per athlete for baseline testing and $25 per injury (includes all testing/consultations needed until athlete is recovered).

I would be happy to answer any questions you may have, or explain things more clearly. Please feel free to pass this information along to other parents in order to help clear things up.

You can call or email me to set up an appointment for baseline testing. Enjoy the sunshine and I look forward to meeting you and your child.

Thanks and Cheers, Beth Larson 303-859-3941 or elizabeth.larson@humboldt.edu