Interview | concussions

Talking brains: An Interview

with Steve Flynn

Steve Flynn studies concussions at the Range In Motion clinic in Fredericton. He has an honors Bachelor in kinesiology with a minor in sports psychology (BSCPT).He is a certified member of the acupuncture foundation of Canada institute (CAFCI) and is part of the Canadian Academy of the Manipulative Therapists. He has also taken advanced courses in concussion assessment, rehabilitation and in vestibular ocular assessment and rehabilitation .He is also a dad for two kids and coaches the atom AA wildcats hockey team

1.How has the diagnosis of concussions changed from 20 years ago to now?

Answer: The diagnosis has changed massively. There is a growing number of research being performed. Most importantly there is far more education available for parents, coaches and teachers. the stigma of the tough guy mentality of getting your bell rung an sucking it up I thankfully long gone.Too many athletes have had long term repercussions from not taking concussions seriously. They are now referred to as a MTBI.Mild Traumatic Brain injury. Pre post concussion tools such as the SCAT 3 and vestibular ocular testing has enabled clinicians to accurately detect and manage concussions.

2.How has the number of athletes with concussions increased or decreased through out the years?

Answer:The number of athletes with concussions has increased.Partly due to more athletes reporting them. More coaches and parents reporting them as well as better testing.

3.What do you think is the best way to avoid getting a concussion?

Answer:I think the best way to avoid concussions is helmets playing it safe and being aware of your surroundings when it comes to sports.

4. What is the thing that interests you the most about concussions? Why?

Answer:The thing that interests me the most about concussions is that it is an injury that you cannot see yet can have the biggest impact on one life. Physically,Psychologically and emotionally.

5.Why did you choose to study concussions?

Answer:I chose to study concussions because of personal experience. Too many people are suffering through a concussion when there is help out therefor them.

6.What is the best part of your job and what is the most challenging? Why?

Answer;The best part of my job is being able to help such a wide variety of people. The most challenging part is realizing that you can't help everyone.

7.How has studying concussions changed how you live your life?

Answer:studying concussions has changed my life because you learn to have a greater appreciation for those suffering emotionally and physically through the healing process.

8.Have you ever had a concussion or have talked to someone who has? If so was the cause and how bad was it?

Answer:I have had many concussions.Grade 1 concussions. Thankfully never symptomatic for more than a week.

9.Why do you think studying concussions is important?

Answer:I think studying concussions is important because like any injury, it is mostly treatable when managed appropriately.

10.What do you think they should do to make sports safer? Explain

Answer:I think the best to make sports safe is that rules can change to keep athletes safe, helmets mandatory on bikes and on the ice. Most of all players must learn to respect one another and avoid any contact with the head.