Concussion safety is a “no-brainer”
A young athlete gets up after a hard hit and says they’re fine. But what should parents and coaches watch for, and how do they know when that student needs medical attention?
In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with Dr. Torsten Rotto, a Sanford Health sports medicine physician, about concussions in student athletes. Dr. Rotto explains how concussions can affect memory, concentration, balance, and everyday life.
Listen here:
“If there’s any concern for a concussion in a kid, take them out. I mean, it’s that simple.” - Dr. Torsten Rotto
The conversation covers recognizing symptoms that may not be immediately apparent, supporting students during recovery, and gradually returning to school and sports. Dr. Rotto also discusses options for athletes whose symptoms linger and the importance of parents, coaches, athletic trainers, and medical providers working together.
This is the first episode in a two-part series on concussions. Next week, Dr. Jessie Oldham of Virginia Commonwealth University joins The Backstory to discuss what research is teaching us about the effects of concussions on student athletes.
Read the full article on how North Dakota youth sports are changing their approach to concussions.
Michael Standaert
The Backstory is produced by the North Dakota News Cooperative, a nonprofit newsroom providing in-depth reporting to newspapers across the state. If you value this kind of journalism, consider making a donation to support our work.
The North Dakota News Cooperative is a nonprofit news organization providing reliable and independent reporting on issues and events that impact the lives of North Dakotans. The organization increases the public’s access to quality journalism and advances news literacy across the state.
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