Copp used his head when concussion symptoms reappeared

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This article was published 27/12/2018 (2445 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Andrew Copp admits the temptation was there, to simply stay quiet when the headaches came back shortly after he thought he’d recovered from his latest concussion. He certainly wouldn’t be the first professional athlete to do so.

But the Winnipeg Jets forward has become well-versed in the field of head trauma in recent years and said he’s learned that honesty truly is the best policy when it comes to his health and long-term future beyond the game he loves.

And so, Copp spoke up, a move that would take him out of the lineup for 10 more games until his return Thursday night against the Calgary Flames.

“With all the information out there and the studies, the last thing you want to do is take another hit while you’re having issues. So try to be as honest as possible with the trainers and as careful as possible,” Copp said following Thursday’s morning skate.

“I’ve been exposed to it a good amount, friends that have had bad ones, and obviously I’ve had a few now. I learned a lot this time, just about what are the causes and how to get over it and the normal metabolic rate for how concussions usually work. So I feel like I learned a lot and I definitely know who to go to in these circumstances now and who to trust and get me back on track quickly.”

The 24-year-old Michigan product was initially diagnosed with the third concussion of his hockey career after taking a big hit from Minnesota’s J.T. Brown on Nov. 23. Copp’s head hit the divider by the bench. He missed three games but returned to action Dec. 1 in New Jersey after passing all his tests related to the NHL’s concussion protocol. But after playing that game and the following night against the New York Rangers, he once again didn’t feel right.

“You wait a week, you come back, you feel good, and then after those games things are lingering: ‘Is this a real thing, or is this just a normal headache that I can get away with?’ Copp said.

It wasn’t immediately clear what was going on, although Copp didn’t believe he’d suffered a new brain injury in his two games back. After seeing several specialists, it turns out the source of the pain wasn’t actually in his head.

“We kind of figured out, I think a lot of it was based on the whiplash from my neck. It wasn’t really as much head-related, towards the end. It was a lot of neck stuff,” said Copp.

“I think you’re so focused on treating the brain and stuff…. We didn’t really know at the time. It was just kind of a wait-and-see process and taking it easy. I feel like we went about it the right way.”

In the course of being evaluated, it was also determined that Copp’s sensitivity to bright lights could be a factor. And so it was suggested he try wearing a tinted visor once the headaches were gone and he returned to action.

He admits to plenty of concern about the future, especially the odds of suffering another concussion down the road and what it could mean. He’s also considering getting a full brain scan done after this season to get a clearer picture of where his head is at.

“One of the specialists I saw is very good with concussions and knows a ton about it and has treated many different athletes that have had them, and I really trust him. I’m going to pursue that a little further in the summertime,” said Copp.

“You’re definitely aware of it, for sure, and you don’t want to put yourself in situations where you’re going to get concussed at all. But my head feels good right now.”

There remains plenty of controversy about the NHL’s concussion protocol, including right here in Winnipeg. Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien was left rubber-legged after a big hit with Pittsburgh’s Jamie Oleksiak last month, yet returned to the game moments later after apparently passing through protocol. He was then diagnosed with a concussion days later and missed four games.

Copp said Thursday it remains a work in progress.

“You take a test right after the hit… in the locker-room and they deem whether you’re ready to go back or not. And from there you take another test to see if the issues continue or not to say if you’re concussed. And then it’s based on how you feel. As soon as your symptoms get to a pretty low state, you get on the bike, and if symptoms increase, you stop. And if symptoms stay the same and keep lowering, you get on the ice. It’s very structured,” he said.

“It’s not perfect, for sure. But in a one-size fits all kind of idea, it’s about as good as you can do.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @mikemcintyrewpg