On March 21, during a match with her travel soccer team, Carmella Vilardo experienced a significant incident when she attempted to head the ball but was inadvertently elbowed in the back of her head. Initially, she exhibited some symptoms of a concussion but felt well enough to continue playing, even participating in a game the following day.
However, her condition deteriorated by the following Monday. What began as a mild headache escalated into more severe symptoms, including insomnia, loss of appetite, cognitive fog, and increased sensitivity to light. "Sometimes I was nauseous and dizzy," Vilardo recounted, adding that the most troubling symptoms were the persistent headache and brain fog.
After recovering, Vilardo took on the role of speaker at a Concussion Outreach Prevention Education seminar held at Niagara Falls High School. The event also featured insights from the school’s athletic trainer, Tony Surace, Jesse Fodero from the UB Concussion Management Clinic, and Alexis Rutty of the Brain Injury Association of New York State.
Surace emphasized the importance of these seminars, stating, "These events happen throughout the state to keep concussion education on parents’ and educators’ minds." Following the worsening of her symptoms, Vilardo consulted Surace, who recommended she see a specialist at UBMD. There, she received a formal diagnosis of a concussion and commenced a two-month recovery program.
During the recovery phase for student-athletes, Surace explained that a resting period is crucial to alleviate symptoms. The recovery process begins with low-intensity activities such as walking or cycling, alongside a reduction in school hours while the athlete engages with a physical therapist.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 70% of emergency room visits for sports-related concussions and brain injuries involve children aged 17 and younger. Notably, girls’ soccer ranks second in concussion rates, following boys’ tackle football. Most concussions in soccer occur when players attempt to head the ball, with one in three incidents among girls happening during such attempts.
Surace highlighted the necessity of prompt medical attention, stating that they aim to refer students to specialists within 48 hours of a concussion and initiate physical therapy within 72 hours. He noted the importance of removing symptomatic athletes from practice to prevent further injury.
During her recovery, Vilardo missed some school days, and upon her return, she wore sunglasses to mitigate the effects of bright lights. She often required separate accommodations for her classes and additional time for tests. Her mother, Cheryl, played a pivotal role in supporting her daughter's education, liaising with teachers to ensure Carmella remained on track.
“I’m proud of her for raising awareness,” Cheryl said, expressing gratitude to Surace and other counselors who aided Carmella in her return to school. “It can have such long-lasting effects. Since you can’t perform surgery or wear a cast, it’s important people pay attention to the science.”
Surace praised the high school’s athletic department for its effective management of concussions and commitment to ongoing prevention education, noting that student recovery has improved significantly over the past decade.
Now entering her sophomore year at Niagara Falls High School, Vilardo remains determined to continue playing soccer. She plans to be more cautious during headers and intends to wear a Q-collar, a device designed to help reduce the risk of concussions. "It takes time to heal no matter the timeline," Vilardo said. "You just have to be patient."
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