HOUSE MEMORIAL 9

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

INTRODUCED BY

James E. Smith

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE BRAIN INJURY ADVISORY COUNCIL TO CONDUCT A STATEWIDE CONCUSSION NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ATHLETES AND VETERANS.

     WHEREAS, the incidence of sports-related concussions in middle and high school student athletes has not been adequately identified and studied; and

     WHEREAS, previous figures for sports-related concussions are underestimated; and

     WHEREAS, only ten to fifteen percent of sports-related concussions involve a loss of consciousness; and

     WHEREAS, athletes might fail to recognize and report symptoms of a concussion; and

     WHEREAS, appropriate diagnosis, management, referral and education are critical for helping young athletes with concussions achieve optimal recovery; and

     WHEREAS, veterans are returning to New Mexico communities with undiagnosed symptoms of concussions; and

     WHEREAS, posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury have similar symptoms, yet treatment is different and an accurate and timely diagnosis is essential to providing effective treatment; and

     WHEREAS, a concussion is a traumatic brain injury whether it is the result of a combat-related incident or a sports-related incident, and it needs to be identified so that proper treatment can be provided;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the brain injury advisory council be requested to conduct a study to identify the incidence of concussions in student athlete and veteran populations; to identify current practices for the diagnosis and management of concussions; and to identify regional needs regarding concussion diagnosis and management, particularly with respect to those living in rural and frontier areas; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the brain injury advisory council report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate legislative interim committee by November 1, 2014; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the brain injury advisory council and the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.

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