Back in the Game

Why Concussion Doesn't Have to End Your Athletic Career

Jeffrey S. Kutcher and Joanne C. Gerstner

Looking at concussion as an injury to be handled, not one to be feared;
Written in real-world language for a common audience, yet retaining a high-level discussion of neurology based on science and medical knowledge;
Definitive book by Dr. Jeff Kutcher, one of the world's leading sports neurologists. He is the founder of American Academy of Neurology's Sports Neurology Section and was the neurologist for Team USA at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.His insights and expertise are sought by athletes at all levels and ages from around the world.

Back in the Game

Why Concussion Doesn't Have to End Your Athletic Career

Jeffrey S. Kutcher and Joanne C. Gerstner

Description

The word concussion was unheard of in youth sports a decade ago. The injury was indeed occurring, but youth athletes were often told to "shake it off" after "getting their bell rung". Science and increased awareness about concussion and brain health have transformed the way youth parents, coaches, and players pursue athletics. Fear of incurring concussions, as well as incomplete or incorrect information, is leading some parents to keep their children out of contact sports, such as football and soccer, where concussion is more prevalent.

Back in the Game: Why Concussion Doesn't Have to End Your Athletic Career does not dwell on perpetuating fears but, rather, provides the most up-to-date understanding of the condition. This is a real-world discussion of what science and medicine know, what parents and coaches need to understand about concussion, evaluation and treatment, and what possible post-concussive issues exist.

The expertise and experiences of noted sports neurologist Jeffrey S. Kutcher, MD, along with reporting and interviews by award-winning sports journalist Joanne C. Gerstner, make this book a timely, relevant, and real discussion about concussions in youth sports. Athletes and professional coaches who have participated in the formation of this book include two-time Olympic gold medalist soccer player Kate Markgraf, former NHL/Team Canada head coach Andy Murray, champion X-Games snowboarder Ellery Hollingsworth, along with an array of youth parents, coaches, and athletes from across the country.

Back in the Game

Why Concussion Doesn't Have to End Your Athletic Career

Jeffrey S. Kutcher and Joanne C. Gerstner

Foreword
Preface

Chapter One: Sports Concussion Myths and Fears
Chapter Two: Athletes, Concussions, and the Playing Field
Chapter Three: You Think You Might Have a Concussion- How Do You Know?
Chapter Four: Life After a Diagnosis of Concussion
Chapter Five: Post- Concussion Syndrome and Second- Impact Syndrome
Chapter Six: Concussion, Sports, Depression, and Suicide
Chapter Seven: How Athletes Can Help Themselves
Chapter Eight: Thoughts for Parents and Coaches
Chapter Nine: Changing the Game, On and Off the Field
Chapter Ten: Controlling the Messaging of Concussion

Quick Answers to Common Questions About Sports Concussion
Terms to Know About Concussions and Sports
Resources to Learn More About Concussions and Sports
Acknowledgments
Index

Back in the Game

Why Concussion Doesn't Have to End Your Athletic Career

Jeffrey S. Kutcher and Joanne C. Gerstner

Author Information

Jeffrey S. Kutcher, MD, is an internationally recognized sports neurologist and pioneering physician researcher. He is a graduate of the Tulane University School of Medicine and the University of Michigan Neurology Residency program. He founded the American Academy of Neurology's Sports Neurology Section and was the neurologist for Team USA at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.

Joanne C. Gerstner is an award-winning multimedia sports journalist, who focuses on sports and medicine. Her work has appeared on ESPN.com and in The New York Times, USA Today, Detroit News, and other publications. She is a graduate of the Medill School at Northwestern University, a 2012 University of Michigan Knight-Wallace Fellow, and 2015 Jacobs Foundation Neuroscience Fellow.

Back in the Game

Why Concussion Doesn't Have to End Your Athletic Career

Jeffrey S. Kutcher and Joanne C. Gerstner

Reviews and Awards

"Concussions have become one of the most important sports stories of our time, especially for the millions of children who play youth sports. Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher and journalist Joanne Gerstner are admirably advancing this national conversation with the educational and informative Back in the Game. This well-researched and revealing book should be read by every coach and parent of a young athlete." --Christine Brennan, USA Today sports columnist, ABC News, CNN, and PBS commentator, New York Times best-selling author

"The subject of concussions has become one of the most discussed issues in American sports. The conversation about head injuries has raised so many questions with few clear answers. Dr. Kutcher's expertise on this topic is both informative and enlightening. This book is essential reading for not only sports fans but youth-sports parents as well." --Mike Tirico; ESPN play-by-play commentator; studio and radio host; main broadcaster for Monday Night Football, NBA, Tennis, and Golf; and youth-sports dad of two active kids

"Dr. Kutcher's extensive knowledge on concussions helped me get my life back as well as my career of playing hockey. I cannot imagine where I would be today without the help of Dr. Kutcher. Every parent should own this book as a reference in case a concussion happens to your child." --Patrick Eaves, forward for the NHL Dallas Stars, and father of three

Back in the Game

Why Concussion Doesn't Have to End Your Athletic Career

Jeffrey S. Kutcher and Joanne C. Gerstner

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