1. CONCUSSIONS

2. What is a Concussion?
A traumatically induced alteration in mental status not necessarily with a loss of consciousness
A change in your brain’s ability to function normally after a hit to the head or body – and you do not have to black out for in to be considered a concussion
Can happen from a directly or indirectly
Directly: hit to the head
Indirectly: hit to the body or whiplash

3. Concussions
Any athlete who shows signs or symptoms of a concussion must be removed from play immediately!
If you suspect you have a concussion you should see a healthcare provider right away.
Only a doctor should give medication to someone suspected of having a concussion.

4. What is a Concussion? Every concussion is unique
The same hit to two different people can cause two very different sets of symptoms
Care must be individualized
More than 80% of concussions will resolve successfully within the first 3 weeks

5. Concussion Recognition
Symptoms
Physical – how you feel physically
Emotional – how you react
Cognitive – how you think
Physical Signs
Impaired brain function
Abnormal behavior

6. Concussion Recognition
Symptoms
Only need ONE symptom present to be considered a possible concussion
Headache is most common symptom

7. Concussion Symptoms Headache Pressure in head Neck pain
Nausea/Vomiting
Dizziness
Blurred Vision
Balance problems
Sensitive to light
Sensitive to noise
Feel slowed down
Feel in a fog
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty remembering
Fatigue/low energy
Confusion
Drowsiness
Irritable
Sad
Nervous/Anxious

8. Concussion Recognition
Orientation
Where are you?
What day is it?
What year is it?
What team are you playing?
Who is winning?

9. Concussion Recognition
Memory
Both short term and long term
Repeat words given by examiner
Concentration
Repeat numbers backwards
Repeat months of year backwards

10. Concussion Recognition
Balance with eyes closed
One foot
Two feet together
One foot in front of other – heel to toe
Coordination
Finger to nose

11. Getting Worse?? Headache gets worse Cannot fully awaken Memory loss
Vomiting
Increased confusion
Increased irritability
Seizure
Weakness/numbness in arms and/or legs
Slurred speech
Balance problems

12. Concussion Treatment REST!!! Physical rest Cognitive rest
No activity whatsoever
Cognitive rest
No television, video games, reading, thinking

13. Return to play Once you have NO symptoms… Cleared by doctor
Pass concussion test
Four day return to play protocol
Day One – light aerobic exercise (jog, bike)
Day Two – Sport specific drills (jumping, sprinting)
Day Three – Light practice
Day Four – full practice
Day Five – full return
If you get symptoms at point, need to rest and then start all over

14. SECOND IMPACT SYNDROME
Rapid swelling of the brain that occurs when someone sustains a second head injury/concussion before the previous head injury has resolved.
This can be a very minor injury (2nd one) that causes major problems.
This typically is fatal.
Athlete must be rushed to hospital IMMEDIATELY.

15. CTE – Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Progressive degenerative brain disease seen in those with repeated trauma
Athletes - Football, military
Protein in the brain builds up and kills brain cells
Symptoms:
memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, paranoia, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and eventually progressive dementia
Become a very big problem for former NFL players
Can only be diagnosed on autopsy