A concussion is a brain injury in which trauma to the head results in a temporary disruption of normal brain function. The injury occurs when a person’s brain is violently rocked back and forth or twisted inside the skull as a result of a direct or indirect force. A concussion disturbs brain activity and should be handled as a serious injury. An individual does not have to lose consciousness (“knocked-out”) to suffer a concussion. Proper healing and recovery time following a concussion are crucial in preventing further injury.

Athletes who are not fully recovered from an initial concussion are significantly vulnerable for recurrent, cumulative, and even catastrophic consequences for a second concussive injury. Such difficulties are prevented if the athlete is allowed time to recover from concussions and return to play decisions are carefully made. No athlete should return-to-sport or other at-risk participation when symptoms of concussion are present and recover is ongoing. In summary, the best way to prevent difficulties with concussion is to manage the injury properly when it occurs.

Where can I find more information?

If you would like more information, please visit the ImPACT Website.

Why is it so important to utilize tools like ImPACT to gather more information about the concussion?

It is important to note that ImPACT is not designed to make all the decision about when an athlete has sustained a concussion or when they are ready to return. It is just another tool that can be utilized to gather more information about the injury. Click here to see a video and read an article about the diagnosis of concussions and the importance of preventing Second Impact Syndrome.

Who will be tested?

Any athlete who suffers a head injury will take a post-concussion test. Sprague is proud to promote the fact that ALL athletes will be baseline tested, regardless of their risk of a head injury.

What are the return-to-play guidelines after a concussion?

Any athlete who sustains a concussion will be required to complete the return-to-play guidelines jointly established between Hope Orthopedics of Oregon and the Salem-Keizer School District. Those guidelines are as follows:

• The athlete must meet the requirements of each step of the RTP protocol, with no return of symptoms, in order to progress to the next step.

• There must be a minimum of 24 hours elapsed for progress between steps. If symptoms return at any step, the athlete will return to step 1 until symptoms resolve, and repeat the progression.

• Clearance from a licensed health care professional as defined per OAR 581-022-0421 (see below) must be given before the athlete moves past Step 1. Clearance can be given via communication with the school Athletic Trainer; office visits are not always mandated.

  • Step 1: NO ACTIVITY. The athlete has completed the following items:

A. Self-reported to be symptom free on the Symptom Monitoring Form

B. Has returned to school full time and normal academic performance

C. Satisfactory ImPACT score

D. Their Health Care Provider has cleared the athlete for return-to-play progression. Clearance can be provided via communication with the school Athletic Trainer; office visits are not always mandated.

• • Step 2: LIGHT EXERCISE. The athlete may engage in light, non-contact, low-impact aerobic activity such as walking, swimming, or riding an exercise bike with a goal of elevating heart rate (<70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate).

  • Step 3: SPORT-SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES. The athlete may engage in vigorous, non-contact, sport specific drills, with a goal of challenging concentration and increasing impact associated with elevated heart rate without the threat of contact from others. No helmet or other equipment should be utilized.

  • Step 4: NON-CONTACT TRAINING DRILLS IN FULL EQUIPMENT. The athlete may participate in non-contact practice, with a goal of simulating sport participation without opportunity for re-injury. Resistance training can begin or resume.

  • Step 5: FULL CONTACT PRACTICE or TRAINING. The athlete may participate in unrestricted training or practices.

  • Step 6: RETURN TO PLAY. The athlete is considered fully cleared for participation, including games.

* Based on the 2014 NATA Position Statement: Management of Sports Concussion Per OAR 581-022-0421 “Health Care Professional” means a Physician (MD), Physician Assistant (PA), Doctor of Osteopathic (DO) licensed by the Oregon State Board of Medicine, nurse practitioner licensed by the Oregon State Board of Nursing, or Psychologist licensed by the Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners.