Media Room

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 30 million children and teens participate in some form of organized sports, and about 3 million sports-related injuries occur each year.

Dr. David Stephens, dean of the School of Professional Psychology at University of the Rockies, says serious injury can occur without loss of consciousness and all head injuries should be treated seriously. 

When evaluating an injury that involves the head, Dr. Stephens reminds parents and coaches to look for these symptoms: 

• Headaches
• Mental “fogginess,” confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Inability to remember “plays” or position responsibilities
• Dizziness
• Nausea/vomiting
• Slurred or incoherent speech
• Ringing in the ears
• Sleep disturbance
• Sensitivity to light or loud noises

Dr. Stephens encourages parents to take notes to help monitor the number of symptoms, their intensity and duration. Parents and coaches should also remember that full recovery may take weeks, not minutes or hours. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy may occur with repeated head injuries, even if the individual events seem minor.

Annual concussion recognition training is now required of middle school through high school coaches in the state of Colorado. Student athletes who suffer from a head injury must also receive medical clearance before returning to practice, play or competition. Clearance can be provided by licensed psychologists with training in neuropsychology.

For more information or to schedule concussion recognition training with University of the Rockies, contact Dr. David Stephens at 866-442-0505, ext. 1607.

About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is a graduate school specializing in master's and doctorate degree programs in the social and behavioral sciences. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org), classes are offered online and at the University's Colorado Springs, Colorado, campus. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 866.621.0124 x2513.

About Dr. David Stephens

Dr. David Stephens is dean of the School of Professional Psychology at University of the Rockies. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Stephens served as the regional director of mental health for Correctional Healthcare Management. He also served as the chief of Behavioral Health Services for the Colorado Department of Corrections, and has teaching experience at the University of Southern Colorado. He is a clinical psychologist licensed in Colorado, Wyoming and Missouri. He earned his Doctor of Psychology degree from the University of Denver.