Concussion Management and Return to Play Guidelines Ryan Knight MS LAT ATC Chris Duff LAT ATC

What is a Concussion? Brain injury Caused by any force or trauma to the head Generally interferes with normal neurological functions Junior high athletes are more susceptible to brain injuries

Signs & Symptoms Loss of consciousness Balance problems Poor coordination Easily distracted Slow or slurred speech Vacant stare Vomiting Headache Dizziness Feeling foggy Impaired vision Hearing problems Emotional changes

NFHS Rule Book Changes These are nothing new, changes were implemented in 2010 Rule states… - Any athlete that shows any sign or symptom of a concussion, lawfully must be removed from competition or practice. - The athlete will not return to play until he/she is cleared by an appropriate licensed medical professional.

If Nothing is Done… The athlete is susceptible to more serious trauma and even death Increases the risk to the brain if an injury is already present Can lead to prolonged recovery Can cause severe brain swelling which can lead to a fatality

Home Care No Tylenol, Advil, or other pain relievers - masks symptoms - decreases body’s ability to clot and heal Parents do not need to wake athlete during night hours If the athlete’s symptoms worsen, transport immediately to the nearest emergency facility

Monitor Daily Activities Keep to a minimum - Phones - Computer time - Video games Absolutely no - Physical activity - Weight lifting - Running The brain needs an opportunity to rest just like the rest of the body.

Other Considerations Concussions heal at different rates for different athletes regardless of severity Symptoms may not present themselves until 8-12 hours after the injury occurred Academic accommodations will be made in the event the athlete isn’t able to complete tasks in the classroom

BASD’s Concussion Management Plan Follows PIAA and State Law Coincides with the Safety in Youth Sports Act (2011) The plan is signed off on by BASD’s team doctor and evaluated on a yearly basis

Concussion Management Plan Step 1 Athletes is evaluated by - licensed athletic trainer - physician, or - neuropsychologist Step 2 Athlete must be seen by a licensed physician if they haven’t done so already Doctor must see them before they start the RTP protocol

Step 3 Athlete must not exhibit any signs or symptoms of a concussion for at least 24 hrs Step 4 Athlete must pass a Neurocognitive computer based test Baseline testing will be done prior to each season, every other year Step 5 Must complete a “5 Phase” or 5 Day list of exercises designed to increase heart rate and test brain function Each day, exercises get more difficult If an athlete fails a phase or a symptom reoccurs, they must regress back a “phase” and wait 24 hrs to begin again

Step 6 Athlete’s completed concussion paperwork must be taken or faxed to the physician and signed by the doctor before athlete can return Once completed, the athlete is free to return at 100%