Management of Sports-Related Concussions Saint Anselm College Athletic Training’ PSA

Recognition of Concussion Can be caused by: –Direct blow to the head –A hit to another part of the body leading to an “impulsive” force transmitted to the head You can have a concussion even if you are NOT knocked out!

How Can I Prevent a Concussion? Do not initiate contact with your head or helmet. You can still get a concussion while wearing a helmet. Avoid striking an opponent in the head. Practice and perfect the skills of the sport. Practice good sportsmanship at all times.

Common signs and symptoms of sports-related concussion Signs (observed by others): Athlete appears dazed or stunned Confusion (about assignment, plays, etc.) Forgets plays Unsure about game, score, opponent Moves clumsily (altered coordination) Balance problems Personality change Responds slowly to questions Forgets events prior to trauma Forgets events after the trauma Loss of consciousness (any duration) Symptoms (reported by athlete): Headache Fatigue Dizziness, lightheadedness Feeling unsteady on feet Nausea or vomiting Double vision, blurry vision Sensitive to light or noise Feels sluggish Feels “foggy” Problems concentrating Problems remembering

What should I do if I think I have a concussion? Don’t Hide It. –Tell someone if you or a teammate has symptoms! Report Symptoms. –The sooner you get checked out, the soon you may be able to return to play Get checked out. –A concussion can affect your ability to perform everyday activities, your reaction time, balance, sleep, and classroom performance. Take time to recover. –You are more likely to have a repeat concussion when your brain is still healing! These concussions can lead to permanent brain damage or death. SECOND IMPACT SYNDROME

ImPACT computerized testing Required for all collision/contact sports. If a concussion happens during the season, this test will be repeated. –Used together with testing by the AT staff to return to play SPORTS: Fall –Football, Men’s and Women’s Soccer Winter –Men’s and Women’s Hockey, Men’s and Women’s Basketball Spring –Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse

What to expect if you have a concussion during the season You will not be allowed to return to play or drive home the day of your injury. Your athletic trainer or coach will decide the safest way for you to get back to campus. Your AT will closely monitor your symptoms. –You must follow up every day.

What to expect if you have a concussion during the season You will be withheld from all physical activity If needed, accommodations with classes will be made. If you have trouble, speak up! –Director of Health Services and Academic Dean Once all signs/symptoms have resolved, you will take a follow up ImPACT test

What to expect if you have a concussion during the season CLEARANCE You must have written medical clearance, be asymptomatic both at rest and during activity, and have returned to full school activities to start the return to play program. If your AT has treated you s/he will be responsible for clearing you. If you saw a primary care physician or specialist, you must provide written clearance for progression to activity.

What to expect if you have a concussion during the season PROGRESSION –Your athletic trainer will gradually progress you into sport-specific activities following a concussion. –The AT will decide what activities are appropriate for you during your recovery. For your own safety!

Final Points Concussions are: –Different for each athlete –Serious medical injury Questions?

NCAA Drug Testing Division II –Year Round Testing Process –You are responsible for what goes in your body

NCAA Drug Testing The NCAA bans the following classes of drugs: a. Stimulants b. Anabolic Agents c. Alcohol and Beta Blockers (banned for rifle only) d. Diuretics and Other Masking Agents e. Street Drugs f. Peptide Hormones and Analogues g. Anti-estrogens h. Beta-2 Agonists

NCAA Drug Testing Some Examples of NCAA Banned Substances In Each Drug Class Stimulants: Adderall, Ritalin, cocaine, fenfluramine Anabolic Agents: DHEA (7-Keto), androstenedione Diuretics: bumetanide, chlorothiazide, canrenone Street Drugs: heroin, marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), synthetic cannabinoids (K2, Spice)

NCAA Drug Testing Some Examples of NCAA Banned Substances In Each Drug Class Cont. Peptide Hormones and Analogues: growth hormone(hGH) Anti-Estrogens: anastrozole, tamoxifen, formestane Beta-2 Agonists: bambuterol, formoterol, salbutamol, salmeterol

NCAA Drug Testing –Options Athletic Training Staff DII only website-REC – REC website – »Password NCAA2 »Ask about dietary supplements Or Call Resource Exchange Center, REC,

NCAA Drug Testing Any supplement product or medication, even those that do not seem to be targeted to athletic performance Needs to be checked out with the sports medicine staff

NCAA Drug Testing Dietary supplements are not well regulated and may cause a positive drug test result. Student-athletes have tested positive and lost their eligibility using dietary supplements. Many dietary supplements are contaminated with banned drugs not listed on the label. Any product containing a dietary supplement ingredient is taken at your own risk.

NCAA Drug Testing Note to Student-Athletes: There is no complete list of banned substances.

NCAA Drug Testing Which vitaminwater products contain impermissible or banned substances? –At this time, vitaminwater has five products that contain impermissible or banned substances. Those products are power-c, energy, b-relaxed, rescue, and balance

NCAA Drug Testing Supplement Advisory: –products sold over-the-counter and through the internet for sexual performance enhancement may contain banned anabolic agents, including testosterone and DHEA. –Also, weight loss products or products sold to reduce water retention may contain stimulants and diuretics, banned by the NCAA. –Student-athletes have tested positive for using these products and lost their eligibility.

NCAA Drug Testing Midol Information: –Midol CrampsNot Banned –Midol Extended ReliefNot Banned –Midol Menstral CompleteBanned –Midol Teen FormulaBanned