Dr. McLeod contributes to concussion report issued by Institute of Medicine, National Research Council
Posted: November 4, 2013
The Institute of Medicine and National Research Council released a major report on Oct.30 highlighting sports-related concussions in youth.
Tamara McLeod, PhD, ATC, FNATA, professor, athletic training program, and director, Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network, contributed as an expert reviewer of the draft report.
With a growing public interest on the topic, according to the report, while some existing studies provide useful information, much remains unknown about the extent of concussions in youth; how to diagnose, manage, and prevent concussions; and the short- and long-term consequences of concussions as well as repetitive head impacts that do not result in concussion symptoms.
“This report is a thorough review of what we know and what we don’t know about concussions in children and adolescents. Unfortunately there is a lot we don’t know,” said McLeod. “It further highlights the need for additional concussion research in youth athletes and reinforces that the medical community needs to do a better job at educating parents, coaches, and athletes about concussions and how to appropriately recognize this injury.”
Outcomes of the report will hopefully encourage policymakers and funding agencies to be more aware of the need in this area.
Congratulations on your great work, Dr. McLeod.