Vanderbilt’s wide range of concussion services and research was on display recently during the first-ever concussion summit hosted by the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center (VSCC).
The summit, called “Concussion Services at Vanderbilt: State of the Art,” brought together experts from around the University to present work related to concussion.
Presentations ranged from MRI imaging studies and rehabilitation services to return to play protocols and injury prevention programs.
Allen Sills, M.D., associate professor of Neurological Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, and co-director of VSCC, said the purpose of the summit was threefold: to offer a big picture about concussion care and research at Vanderbilt, to generate new ideas and to create new connections among clinicians and researchers.
“At Vanderbilt, there are so many areas of experience and expertise, but we’re not always aware of each other. To further the development of the Concussion Center, we wanted to bring together thought leaders to hear what each was doing in hopes of promoting collaboration and sparking new ideas,” Sills said.
Several staff members from the Nashville Predators hockey team, including head coach Barry Trotz and head athletic trainer Dan Redmond, attended.
“The Predators have been great partners with us in our efforts to educate players, parents and coaches in youth leagues, especially in hockey, about the dangers of concussion. They have readily embraced the science and how we’re bringing it to practice, and we’re honored to have them at the summit,” Sills said.
VSCC cared for nearly 10,000 people in its first year of existence, including pre-concussion baseline testing and post-concussion patient care, offering the same state-of-the-art treatment to patients ranging from children in recreational leagues to professional athletes and Olympians.
For more information, call 875-VSCC.
