Concussions

What is a concussion and why do I have to be concerned about it, as a parent or athlete?

Concussions are a form traumatic brain injuries, with different levels of severity, caused by a sudden change in speed or collision with an object or person(s) which jostles the brain in the space provided within our skulls. This jostling creates an imbalance in chemicals which takes time for the body to reset. In the case of younger adults or adolescents whom their brains are still developing might take a considerable amount of time to recovery. The other danger that imposed from sustaining a concussion at such a young age is the possibility of sustaining a second concussion during the initial one. This is what is termed "second impact" concussion and this type of injury can lead to catastrophic results that are possibly irreversible and very unfortunate, but at the same time very avoidable. Knowing signs and symptoms of a concussion are very important and the denial of these "red lights" for this injury is the reason of why being "tougher" or play through it mentality can very detrimental to young athlete that has such a bright future a head of them.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

Cognitive Headache Emotion Sleeping

Treatment of Concussion

  • If for any reason during an event practice a coach suspects a possibility of a concussion the athlete must be removed from sport be evaluated
  • Onsite Athletic Trainer should perform a SCAT 5 and a concussion evaluation to determine a possibility of a traumatic brain injury and referral to a physician
  • Once determined a head injury exists the athlete should follow school policy and the doctors recommendations before a return to sport is permitted.
  • Following state guidelines the athlete will follow a Return-to-play plan which will include an ImPact test administered by the Athletic Trainer and will compared their current ability to their baseline (if applicable).
  • General Treatment of concussions are as followed:
    • Rest as permitted by the attending physician
    • Avoid technology that aspirates symptoms
    • Use sunglasses if needed
    • Follow all academic guidelines by attending physician
    • Do not use any drugs or medications that are not prescribed or permitted by the attending physician
    • Follow all health care professionals advice (ATC & nurse) as instructed by the attending physician plan of action

Return to Play Guidelines:

  1. An athlete will permitted to begin the RTP protocol once they have met the following criteria:

a. He/she has been examined by a doctor and has been given a green light to begin the RTP

b. The athlete has taken the ImPact test and is within reasonable limits to start the RTP (the ImPact can not be implemented until 48 hours have passed from the injury and the athlete must be in "good enough" shape to take it.

c. The athlete is symptom free.

2. The Return to Play procedure is a step by step progress that usually has 24 hours between each step completed, being one day for each step. Longer gaps with multiple days per step can be recommended if the concussion time frame was lengthy and the recovery was slow going and severity of the concussion is considered.

3. If an athlete has any symptoms during a step, the athlete will be brought back to the previous step, complete that step and then on the next day attempt the step in which a symptom was noticed. If symptom free than the athlete will continue onto the next step.

4. The Return to Play will be monitored by the athletic trainer and coaches and the athletes will sign off on each step as they complete them. All athletes diagnosed with a concussion must follow the following steps, on school grounds :

  • Day 1: Light aerobic activity roughly in about a 20 minute time period. A bike ride or low level elliptical is acceptable.
  • Day 2. Moderate aerobic activity roughly about 20 minute time period. A jog, run on the treadmill, or higher intensity on the elliptical is acceptable. After the athlete completes the 20 minute moderate aerobic step and is symptom free, the athlete may (in a safe environment) continue their progressions with minor level skills of his/her sport (dribbling, throwing, catching, or kicking). They are not allowed to begin any formal practicing yet...
  • Day 3: Light Practice: The athlete may begin formal practicing, but all contact and objects that may cause harm must be considered for the practice plan for this individual. No head balls, tackling or blocking or live scrimmaging is allowed. The athlete can participate in skills and conditioning with minimal risk of re-injury.
  • Day 4: The athlete can progress to full practice without limitations (unless otherwise prescribed or requested).
  • Day 5: The athlete sign's off of the completion of a full Return to Play and no more restrictions are applied.