Concussion Management
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that causes the brain to shift back and forth, ultimately causing chemical changes in the brain. The shifting of the brain can be caused by both a contact or non-contact mechanism.
How do You Recognize a Concussion?
Common Symptoms are:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Pressure in the head
- Neck Pain
- Feel in a Fog
- "Just Don't Feel Right"
- Blurred and Double Vision
- Drowsy and Fatigued
Common Signs are:
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Difficulty Remembering
- Light and Noise Sensitivity
- Trouble Sleeping
- More Emotional than Usual
- Irritable
- Balance Issues
- Confused and Disoriented
MAJORITY OF CONCUSSIONS DO NOT INVOLVE LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS
What Do I Do If I Have a Concussion?
At Home Recommendations:
- Stop Participation in your sport
- Tell your coach AND your athletic trainer
- Get Seen by a doctor for further evaluation
- Follow guidelines suggested by doctor
- Don't take Pain Medications/ Advil until directed to by doctor
- Eat a well balanced and nutritious diet
- Stay hydrated with plenty of water and occasional sports drinks
- Complete physical rest
- Mental rest: limit screen time, homework in small periods of time
- Sleep/ rest as much as possible: you DO NOT need to wake them up when sleeping
How Do I Return to Sports?
- You must get cleared by a physician to begin the return to play protocol
- Be symptom-free for 24 hours
- Complete the 6 day graduated exercise protocol while staying symptom-free throughout
Return to Play Protocol
Step 1: Ride on a stationary bike for 15 minutes at 55% -65% of their max heart rate
Step 2: Run on elliptical for 20 minutes at 65% - 75% of their max heart rate
Step 3: Run on treadmill for 25 minutes at 75% - 85% of their max heart rate
Step 4: Non-contact practice and sport specific drills
Step 5: Full contact practice/ normal practice
Step 6: Return fully to activity
** IN ORDER TO START THE RETURN TO PLAY PROTOCOL THE ATHLETE MUST HAVE A NOTE FROM THEIR DOCTOR ALLOWING IT
**Each step is done with 24 hours between them
** The athlete must remain asymptomatic following each step in order to progress to the next step
** The protocol must be completed with the athletic trainer