Sports Concussions and Getting Back in the Game… of Life by Helen Irlen

This is a unique book in that it not only talks about the growing concern today regarding concussions in sports, but it also offers a proven solution to mitigate or even eliminate the symptoms, when concussions don’t “just go away.” It’s called the Irlen Method. Originally developed to help struggling readers, the Irlen Method has been extremely successful in helping those with concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) lead a normal life without the pain of headaches and migraines, the strains of light sensitivity, the frustrations associated with poor academic performance, or the inability to relieve anxiety or even get a comfortable night’s sleep. This book also serves as a guide to parents and coaches, offering ways in which to detect concussion symptoms and how to discuss the issues with youngsters who don’t want to say anything because they want to get right back out on the field or on the court, despite the pain. Stories, and some sobering statistics, bring the seriousness of concussions to light. We emphasize the need for strong communication between parents, coaches and young athletes to prevent possible concussions and to understand when they do occur so that the injured player receives proper attention and testing. The book then explains how the Irlen Method can help eliminate the symptoms and concludes with a number of enlightening and very encouraging stories from athletes and from our military heroes who have also sustained concussions or TBI and have recovered from debilitating symptoms. Concussions cannot be eliminated in sports, or elsewhere. We can certainly make stronger efforts to avoid them through proper training and equipment to protect ourselves, but accidents will happen. The benefit of this book is learning about concussions and knowing that there is something available that can prevent the long lasting effects.