To view and listen to WUSF University Beat segments on the Central Florida Concussion Summit, click here.

Concern about sports-related concussions is a major topic in the news today. One new study in the journal Neurosurgery reported that high school athletes who suffer two or more concussions may already experience early symptoms of post-concussion syndrome, including problems with sleep, memory and headaches.

To help educate young athletes, their parents and coaches about the current state of concussion evaluation and management, the USF Health Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine and HealthyState.org have teamed up to present a free Central Florida Concussion Summit. The summit will be held 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, March 28, at the USF College of Education’s TECO Conference Hall, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa.

“The research is showing that concussions can result in later life repercussions, particularly if you suffer several concussions. That may include dementia, depression, Parkinson’s disease, cognitive impairment and other problems,” said Dr. Gianluca Del Rossi, director of the USF Health Concussion Center, which provides a continuum of care to address the complications that may arise from concussion.

Dr. Del Rossi and Dr. Eric Coris, a USF team physician and associate professor specializing in primary care sports medicine, will be among the panelists discussing health and safety issues related to concussions as well as proposed legislation to reduce concussion risks for student athletes. Other panelists will be Brad Culpepper, attorney and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player, and Heidi Michaels, athletic director for Anclote High School. Russell Rhodes, co-anchor of Fox 13’s Good Day Tampa Bay, will moderate. An opportunity for questions from the audience will follow the panel discussion.

While the event is free, seating is limited. To register, go to www.healthystate.org/concussionsummit.