Bridging the Gap on Best-Practices in Concussion Management A National Symposium

1. Bridging the Gap on Best-Practices in Concussion ManagementA National Symposium • CONCUSSION FACT SHEET • Did you know? • Youth athletes are more susceptible to concussion and recover more slowly than collegiate or professional athletes. • Most sports- and recreation-related concussions seen in emergency rooms (65%) occur among youth ages 5-18 • One in 10 Athletes will suffer a concussion this year, according to research by the CDC. About 38 million boys & girls play organized sports. There are 3.8 million reported sports- and recreation-related concussions (Many more go unrecognized & unreported) • An athlete can still get a concussion if they are wearing a helmet • Concussions impair thinking and memory, and may also cause emotional or behavioral changes • It often takes time for signs and symptoms of a concussion to fully develop. • A single test that can rapidly and reliably detect a concussion and complete recovery from the head injury does not exist. • Concussions can occur in any sport through contact with players, equipment, or facilities. They occur most often at the high school level in football, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, basketball, cheerleading, baseball, and ice hockey. • Recent literature reviews fail to support loss of consciousness as a predictor in either concussion severity or return-to-play timeframe. However amnesia or memory loss is an important clinical sign of concussion. • Concussion Definition • International experts:“a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces -- either a direct blow to the head, face or neck; or a blow elsewhere on the body with an ‘‘impulsive’’ force transmitted to the head.” • In other words, a concussion is a brain injury caused by traumatic force. • Concussion Signs & Symptoms • Cognitive - Amnesia, confusion, disorientation • Physical - Balance difficulty, vertigo, tinnitus, blurry vision, nausea • Emotional - Change in mood, anxiety, depression, agitation

2. Concussion Signs (Things we can observe) • Appears dazed or stunned • Confused about assignment • Unable to remember plays • Unsure of game, score, opponent • Slow to answer questions • Moves clumsily • Loses consciousness • Vomits • Shows behavior or personality changes • Concussion Symptoms (Athlete Complaints) • Headache • Nausea • Dizziness or balance problems • Double or fuzzy vision or any other visual alteration • Sensitivity to light and/or noise • Feeling sluggish or slow • Feeling “foggy” or groggy • Concentration or memory problems, confusion • Extreme fatigue • Best-Practice Recommendations • Use available tools (balance, cognition, vision) for baseline testing in the pre-season • Ask for access to a certified / knowledgeable healthcare provider who can provide sideline evaluations • Insist on a “safety first” style of play • Make sure players wear approved and properly fitting protective equipment • Immediately remove an athlete from play if a concussion is suspected “When in doubt, sit them out” • Maintain a policy of “no same day return to play” • Athletic trainers, parents, coaches, teachers & healthcare providers work together to support athletes • Athletes support & look out for each other • Parents seek appropriate medical care • Take time to recover -- follow healthcare provider’s guidelines on gradual increase in activity / play • Healthcare providers make return-to-play decision (follow state laws)