USU trainer: Treating concussions begins with not minimizing them

(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah State University has been a pioneer in treating and preventing concussions for more than a decade and Dale Mildenberger, head athletics trainer, is largely responsible for the approach. "We're adding to the global body of knowledge on concussions," Mildenberger said.

Logan For Dale Mildenberger, the issue of chronic concussions in sports cant be solved by better treatment, better equipment or better awareness of the damage a head injury can cause.

Treatment must start at the source of the issue: battling a belief ingrained in the culture of sports that downplaying injuries is not just an expectation, but a requirement.

Too often in sports, terms such as "headaches" and "dings" are used to minimize the seriousness of what amounts to a brain injury in order to rush players back onto the field.

Mildenberger, Utah State Universitys head athletic trainer, finds that part of sports culture both puzzling and unacceptable.

"Its amazing to me that if a kid breaks a leg, there is no question if he should return [to play]. But if he breaks his brain, all of a sudden we want to find ways to put him back in [the game]."

Mildenberger and USUs athletic department 11 years ago began baseline testing every athlete on scholarship to accurately assess their past head injuries.

Athletic trainers collaborated with the audiology department and the health, physical education and recreation department to develop a comprehensive system to address all causes and side effects of concussions. This effort created a blueprint for other schools to use to better protect their athletes.

"I see us being poised as one of the premier balance research centers affiliated with sports medicine in the United States," said John Ribera, a professor in the schools communicative disorders and deaf-education department.

About 400 USU athletes undergo tests before their collegiate careers begin to measure cognitive and intellectual capacity, balance and coordination and decision-making abilities.

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USU trainer: Treating concussions begins with not minimizing them