Concern over TBIs
This year, our consortium facilitated a concussion pilot with a local high school and presented a community-wide Needs Assessment Survey on youth and teen concussions. The feedback received from our pilot exercise and surveys has made us even more aware of the vast problems surrounding mild traumatic brain injuries of youth and teen athletes. We also saw an increase of mental health issues among both youth and teens who received multiple concussions while playing high impact sports. The biggest concern yet is undiagnosed concussions. Watch this powerful video of a local cheerleader who suffered from multiple undiagnosed concussions and nearly lost her life.

It takes a village
I believe in the importance of collaboration and crucial information sharing among physicians, athletic trainers, coaches, school nurses and professionals, and parents. From conducting an Acute Concussion Assessment to diagnosing and managing concussions on the sidelines, at home or a doctor’s office or training room, and in the emergency department, keeping our youth and teens healthy and safe is a top priority for us all. Physicians play a critical role and we welcome the village it takes to not only raise awareness of brain injuries but also how to properly manage concussions for a safe return to school and play.  The more we all know and work together, the better outcomes we’ll see – and the more tragedies we’ll prevent.
 
Hear from the experts
This symposium will bring together healthcare experts in multiple fields to educate, train and provide support to our community.

Topics include:

• Concussion Policy Implementation: Practical Considerations for the Health Care Team
• Sports Related Concussions  in Young Athletes
• Mental Functioning and Subjective Experience After Concussion
• Bridging the Communication Between the School and Medical Settings
• Hits and Misses with Return to Play Protocols
• Return to Learn: How to Facilitate a Successful Transition Back to School After a Concussion
• Use of Video Games for mild TBI/Concussion — A Novel Rehabilitation Research Approach
• Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• What is Post Concussive Syndrome?
• Rescuing the Inner Ear from Concussion: Vestibular Evaluation and Treatment for Concussion-Related Vertigo and Motion Sensitivity 
• Register for event

The event is being held at the UCSF Fresno Center for Medical Education and Research located at 155 N. Fresno Street and check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. Your pre-registration and $25 fee is required by Sept. 29. A continental breakfast, beverages, snacks and a box lunch will be provided. Register online at centralvalleyconcussionsymposium2017.eventbrite.com or by calling (559) 459-5130. If you are a healthcare professional seeking continuing education credits, you will receive:

6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
6.5 CEU for PT and SLP
6.5 CE for BRN

See the flyer for more details about this Community Medical Centers’ accredited event.

On behalf of the Central Valley Concussion Consortium and the sponsors of this event: Community Regional Medical Center, Valley Children’s Healthcare, Centre for Neuro Skills and Safe Kids, we thank our experts for being a part of this event and encourage you to come learn about concussions and traumatic brain injuries from your area healthcare experts!
 
Sincerely,
Juan Ruvalcaba, MD
Specialty: Family Medicine