CHLA orthopaedic specialists provide concussion testing to youth athletes from Los Angeles Kings High School Hockey League

Sports medicine specialists from the Children's Hospital Los Angeles Children's Orthopaedic Center administered baseline concussion tests to 98 athletes from the Los Angeles Kings High School Hockey League on Saturday, August 22 at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles Valencia Outpatient Center.

"We were thrilled when the Los Angeles Kings High School Hockey League shared with us their goals of keeping their athletes healthy and safe," says Tracy Zaslow, MD, director of the Children's Hospital Los Angeles Sports Concussion Program. "The proactive approach they've taken with their athletes in regards to concussion awareness and injury prevention is a great model for other organizations to follow."

"This partnership is a great example of how two corporate leaders can come together to directly help our community," says Los Angeles Kings High School Hockey League commissioner Jim Fox. "The safety of the student-athletes playing in the Los Angeles Kings High School League is our highest priority. CHLA's expertise in the area of concussion diagnosis, treatment and prevention is a tool that will make our program as safe as possible. We applaud CHLA and its staff for sharing their resources and expertise, and for their commitment to our league."

During the six-hour event athletes received ImPACT and SCAT3 baseline concussion evaluations, both of which assess the brain's function. The ImPACT assessment consists of a 20-minute computerized test that establishes an individual's verbal and visual memory, memory processing time and reaction time. SCAT3 is a one-on-one assessment with a sports medicine examiner that evaluates immediate recall, five-minute recall, information processing and balance testing.

The tests are typically done prior to the commencement of a sport season, before an athlete has begun training or competition. Should a concussion occur during the season, the same tests will be administered and the scores will be compared to the pre-season test scores. Because concussions are unique to each individual, comparing a person's before and after results allow medical professionals to proceed with the best course of treatment.

Source: Children's Hospital Los Angeles