Transcript Sports-Related Concussion Management

SPORTS-RELATED
CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT
1.0 Purpose
Recognizing that concussions are a common
problem in sports and have the potential for
serious complications if not managed correctly,
the Board established this policy, J-17.
2.0 Definitions
2.1 Concussions-sometimes called mild traumatic
brain injuries (MTBI) are caused by a bump,
blow, or jolt to the head.
Definitions (continued)
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2.2 Confused State- a dazed look, vacant stare, or
confusion about what has happened or is happening.
2.3 Memory Problems-can’t remember assignment on
play, opponent, score of game, or period of the game;
can’t remember how or with whom he or she traveled to
the game, what he or she was wearing, what was eaten
for breakfast, etc.
2.4 Lack of sustained attention-difficulty sustaining focus
adequately to complete a task, a coherent thought, or a
conversation.
Definitions (continued)
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2.5 Speed of brain function-slow response to questions,
slow slurred speech, incoherent speech, slow body
movements, slow reaction time.
2.6 Unusual behaviors-behaving in a combative,
aggressive or very silly manner or just atypical for the
individual. Repeatedly asking the same question over
and over. Restless and irritable behavior with constant
motion and attempt to return to play or leave.
Changing position frequently and having trouble resting
or finding a comfortable position.
Definitions (continued)
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2.7 Health care professional- a licensed medical doctor
or doctor of osteopathy.
2.8 Neurocognitive assessment- a series of tests that
measure how well a person’s brain is functioning,
especially in areas of attention, concentration, memory,
information processing speed and reacting time.
2.9 Physical exam-an exam conducted by the health
care professional that assesses basic life support
functions as well as neurological screenings that may
include assessing speech for fluency and lack of
slurring, eye motion, pronator drift and gait assessment.
3.0 Procedures
Signs and symptoms of a concussion can appear
immediately or days or weeks after the injury.
The signs and symptoms of a concussion may
include, but are not limited to the following:
3.1a Signs observed by the coaching
staff:
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Appears dazed or
stunned
Is confused about an
assignment
Forgets play
Is unsure of game,
sport, or opponent
Moves clumsily
Loses consciousness
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Answers questions
slowly
Shows behavior or
personality changes
Can’t recall events
prior to hit
Can’t recall events
after hit
3.1b Symptoms reported by the
athlete:
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Headache
Nausea
Balance problems or
dizziness
Double or fuzzy vision
Sensitivity to light or
noise
Feeling sluggish
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Feeling foggy or
groggy
Concentration or
memory problems
Confusion
Procedures (continued)
3.2 When a player is suspected of having a
concussion, non-health care professionals shall
not judge the severity of the suspected injury.
The following procedures are to be
implemented:
3.2 Procedures (continued)
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3.2a Remove the player from action. Athletes who
exhibit signs or symptoms of concussions shall be
immediately evaluated, via a physical exam and
neurocognitive assessment, by a health care
professional. If no health care professional is
available, the athlete shall be referred at once for
emergency care and not be allowed to return to
action until evaluated by a health care professional.
3.2 Procedures (continued)
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3.2b Ensure that the athlete is evaluated by a
health care professional. After a physical exam
and neurocognitive assessment by a health care
professional, if it is determined the athlete has
suffered a concussion, the athlete shall not be
allowed to return to action until medical clearance
by the health care professional has been granted
and then must follow a progression of increased
level of activities with provisions for delayed return
to action based on return of any signs or symptoms.
3.2b Procedures (continued)
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If, after a physical exam and neurocognitive
assessment, it is determined by the health care
professional that the athlete did not suffer a
concussion, the athlete may return to action as
deemed appropriate by the health care
professional.
3.2 c Procedures
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Inform the athlete’s parents or guardians about
the known or possible concussion and give them
the fact sheet on concussions.
Procedures (continued)
3.3 An athlete who has suffered a concussion
and has been cleared for return to action by a
health care professional should follow a
progression of increased level of activities with
provisions for delayed return to action based on
return of any signs or symptoms.
3.3 Procedures (continued)
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3.3a No activity with
complete physical and
cognitive rest
3.3b Light aerobic
exercise (less than
70% of maximum
heart rate)
3.3c Sport-specific
exercise (drills specific
to the athlete’s sport
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3.3d Non-contact
training drills (more
intense sport drills with
no contact from other
players.
3.3e Full contact
practice
3.3f Return to action
(normal game play)
3.3 Procedures (continued)
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If any symptoms occur during the progression, the
athlete should drop back to the previous level and
try to complete that level after a 24-hour rest
period.
3.4 and 3.5 Procedures
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3.4 All coaches and athletic trainers shall receive
training in the recognition of signs and symptoms of
a concussion and the proper management of
suspected concussions.
3.5 All athletes and parents shall be provided
information about the signs and symptoms of a
concussion and what to do if a concussion is
suspected.
Severability
If any portion of this policy or the application
thereof to any person or circumstances is held
invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other
provisions or application of this policy.