Concussions Ryan Peterson, PT

What is it? Brain Injury Caused by blow to the head, face, neck, or other area of the body with an “impulsive” force directed to the head Force to the head which causes the brain to shake inside the skull to prevent injury

What is it? 2 nd impact syndrome: A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers increases the likelihood of long term disability, permanent brain damage, or death When a second brain injury occurs within 3 weeks, there is some form of permanent brain injury 100% of the time; with mortality occurring as high as 50% of the time

Signs and Symptoms Appears dazed or stunned Confused Moves clumsily Answers questions slowly Loses consciousness Nausea or vomiting Balance problems Confusion

In sports million sports related concussions each year Majority at the high school level It has been reported that the high school football players suffer concussions at a higher rate than college football players 10-19% of athletes involved in contact sports sustain a concussion each season 6 deaths in high school football in of the 6 were related to head injuries

NCAA NCAA recently settled lawsuit for $70 million to set up fund to help diagnose concussions New targeting rule at NCAA level has been helping Players are lowering “strike zone” New language “…make forcible contact…” Every year, more players are classified as defenseless Like it or not, the rule is here to stay

Appendix C FR-121 Recognize and refer –Watch for the following two events A forceful blow to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head Any change in the student-athlete’s behavior, thinking, or physical functioning (see signs and symptoms) If concussion is suspected –Remove the athlete right away –Ensure the athlete is evaluated right away by approriate health care professional –Allow athlete to return only with permission from a health care professional with experience evaluating for a concussion

Our role Flag illegal hits When in doubt; the hit was not legal Identify athletes who demonstrate signs and symptoms –When in doubt, send them out –C.Y.A. When you send a player out who appeared to demonstrate signs of a brain injury, document on your card Being on the field, we sometimes have access to information coaches and trainers do not have

Our role It is not our job to diagnose a concussion, if a player is cleared to return accept the judgment of the medical personal Document, Document, Document