The Sports Medicine and Performance Center at The University of Kansas Health System has added an important member to the team…a full-time sports neurologist. Dr. Michael Rippee, who previously split his time between helping stroke patients and concussion patients at the health system, will now focus exclusively on helping athletes who have suffered a concussion…the most common sport-related injury.

            In the video, Dr. Rippee explains what a sports neurologist does and the advantage of having one available for athletes of all ages. He also explains what can cause a concussion and the signs to look for. He says this is a fairly new specialty area and describes how his background prepared him for this new role.

            A perfect example of an athlete who will benefit from this kind of doctor is 16-year-old Sukie Hernandez, a Blue Valley sophomore who was accidentally kicked in the head by a teammate during a cheerleading competition. She immediately showed signs of concussion, and has been treated by a specialist at The Sports Medicine and Performance Center since. In the video, we hear from Dr. Jean-Philippe Darche, a former Chiefs football player turned sports medicine doctor, who has been treating Sukie. He describes the different sports that can cause a concussion…some that most people wouldn’t think of. He talks about Sukie’s progress and her prognosis for getting back to her sport in time for school this fall.

            Also on the video is Sukie Hernandez, who talks about what happened and the symptoms she experienced. Her mom, Teddi Hernandez, describes how scary it was seeing her daughter unable to remember anything about the accident, and unable to focus. She also talks about the remarkable progress Sukie has made on her way toward her goal of returning in time for school. She also loves the fact that Dr. Darche, a former athlete, talks to Sukie as a fellow athlete. The video also contains still photos of Sukie performing.