SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Controversy continues over whether a brain injury led former Patriots linebacker, Junior Seau , to kill himself this week. For years, there has been debate about how concussions impact the brain and future health problems for athletes.

Student-athletes at Springfield College are tested for concussions with two types of technology.

The Athletic Department uses software that detects cognitive problems before the athletes are allowed to play. If they get a concussion, they are tested again before returning to the field or court using balance equipment. >>

As attention is drawn towards studying concussions around the country, here in Western Mass sports medicine departments such as Springfield College have been doing a lot of research in the field.

According to the Springfield College football team’s athletic trainer, concussions are on the rise in student athletes. >>

The Biodex Balance System SD is a device used to assess and train balance in a variety of populations. The Balance System consists of a multiaxial circular platform that is free to move in multiple planes. >>

...Biodex Balance System SD allows for assessment of balance under various circumstances and allows for unparalleled balance training. It is the missing component in post knee and hip replacement surgery or post lower limb injuries. Various procedures are available for some forms of vertigo as well. >>

Dr. Salvatore Trazzera, a Board Certified Cardiologist, Internal Medicine Specialist and Sports Medicine Physician has rapidly established himself as the athletes and fitness conscious individual's physician.  He has extensive experience in coronary angiography, non invasive vascular imaging and state of the art cardiac and vascular computed tomography.  His life long experience as a competitive athlete combined with his extensive medical training, knowledge and clinical experience provide an uncommon combination of skills which allow him to relate to his athletes in a way unique to few physicians.  He is owner and supervising team physician of professional, Jr. A and youth hockey programs for NYTEX Sports, Suffolk PAL and the Texas Brahmas of the Central Hockey League he has introduced a concussion prevention and management program utilizing state of the art clinical neurocognitive ([email protected]) and neurophysical (Biodex Balance [email protected]) assessment.  This program will help to guide athletes to safer timing of return to play minimizing recurrent and long term injury further decreasing post concussive cognitive impairment. To date he has over 250 competitive athletes baseline tested with ImPACT and Biodex Balance-SD and experience and expertise in returning athletes to competition safely post traumatic brain injury (concussion).  >>