Brain Injury Association of New Jersey’s Statewide Campaign Concussion in Sports

Brain Injury Association of New Jersey, Inc. Our Mission: Education Outreach Prevention Advocacy Support Services

The Challenge  To have an agreement, a consensus, among all groups concerned with the health and well- being of young athletes about how to measure, monitor, and manage a concussion.

Endorsements American Academy of Pediatrics, New Jersey Chapter American College of Emergency Physicians, New Jersey Chapter Athletic Trainer’s Society of New Jersey Brain Injury Association of America Brain Injury Association of New Jersey Medical Society of New Jersey New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians New Jersey Advisory Council on Traumatic Brain Injury New Jersey Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance New Jersey Education Association New Jersey Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Council New Jersey Football Coaches Association New Jersey Hospital Association New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association New Jersey SAFE KIDS New Jersey School Counselors Association New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association New Jersey State Safety Council New Jersey State School Nurses Association New Jersey Trauma Center Council

Concussion in Youth Sports Program Goals are: 1. Know that a concussion is a brain injury 2. When playing sports, if there is any doubt the player has a concussion….Sit ‘Em Out! 3. All suspected concussions should be evaluated and monitored by health professionals 4. Take today’s information and develop an action plan in your setting

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?  A brain injury is an insult to the brain caused by an external physical force that may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness, which may result in impairment of cognitive abilities, physical, behavioral or emotional functioning.

Traumatic Brain Injury in NJ

Estimates: Concussions in New Jersey

Athletic Trainers Report:  5.1% of football players sustained a concussion during a season .7% sustained a second concussion during the same season BUT…… (Guskiewicz et al.2000)

 47% had at least one concussion during the season.  35% had multiple concussions during the season. (Langburt et al.2001) Player’s Report Symptoms of Concussion

Athletes Want to… STAY IN THE GAME!!

Concussion Facts  Most concussions do NOT involve loss of consciousness  A direct blow to the head, face, and neck can cause a concussion  An indirect blow elsewhere on the body can transmit an “impulsive” force to the head, causing a concussion

Defining Concussion  Mild Traumatic Brain Injury  Induced by mechanical forces  Immediately disrupts brain function

Physical Signs and Symptoms  Headaches  Dizzy or Lightheaded  Blurry Vision  Ringing in the Ears  Loss of Balance  Numbness or Tingling Sensations  Vomiting  Fatigue, Exhaustion  Difficulty Sleeping  Sensitivity to Light and Sound  Dilated Pupils  Slurred Speech

Cognitive and Emotional Signs & Symptoms  Confusion  Difficulty Focusing or Concentrating  Disorientation of Time & Place  Slower Rate to Processing Information  Memory Loss  Irritability  Anxiety  Easily Saddened or Upset  Sadness, Depression

Consequences can Affect:  Academics  Social Relationships  Behavior  Emotions

Other Factors to Consider  Age of the child…younger is not always better  Symptoms that persist for longer than 6-8 weeks  Cumulative effects of multiple concussions

Here’s What To Do: In Play  ANY DOUBT, SIT ‘EM OUT!!!  GO TO THE DOCTOR!!!

Sideline Assessment Basics  Knowledge of the signs and symptoms is critical  Remember that the person is more important then the score, the scholarship, or the roar of the crowd

Baseline Testing- A Cutting Edge Technology  Provides comparison based on pre and post concussion scores  Provides clinicians with a tool to determine safe return to play  Documents an athletes concussion history

Administrative Protocols  Does your group have a system of reporting/recording incidents?  Who fills out the reports?  Where are the forms kept?  Who has access to the forms?  Who receives copies of the forms? Coach? Nurse? Athletic trainer? Parents?  Who receives/retains Doctor’s notes? Coach? Nurse? Athletic trainer? Parents

Home Information Sheet

WHAT GROUPS??  Parents  Doctors  Coaches  Teachers  Friends  Administrators  Athletic Trainers  School Nurses  Recreational Sports Leagues  ATHLETES

When Can an Athlete Return to Play?  When medically cleared  No activity of any kind while still symptomatic, including headaches  Check on academic performance  Start out with light activity  If symptom free with light activity, progress to increased activity  ALWAYS respect the brain and the time it needs to heal

Tips for Helping the Student  Monitor w/ checklist  Reduce assignments  Build in rest periods  Give more time to complete work  Outline and order steps for big tasks  Give written directions or template  Use notebook check off “to do” list  Write down schedules w/places, times, etc  Meet with Teacher to review home work at end of day  Inform school nurse, counselor

WHAT CAN YOU DO? 1. Share what you know! A concussion is a brain injury and needs to be taken seriously. 2. When in doubt SIT ’EM OUT! 3.Take today’s information and develop an action plan in your setting.

For More Information:  Contact the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey Website: Sports Concussion Website: Phone: (732) Family Helpline (800)