Action Plan
- Step 1
1. Schedule Baseline Testing before start of season
2. Education of athletes, parents and coaches - Step 2
If you suspect that a player has a concussion:
1. Remove athlete from play
2. Keep athlete out of play until properly evaluated
3. Inform athlete's parents or guardians about the known or possible concussion, and when to seek immediate medical attention - Step 3
Contact Dr. Irving Williams, II, CIC for evaluation and ImPACT™ testing within 24-72 hours. - Step 4
Dr. Williams will determine when it is safe for the athlete to return to play, and provide a letter to allow athlete to return only at appropriate time.
What is a Concussion?
Brain 101: What's a Concussion, Anyway?
It's a serious brain injury, and it can seriously mess up your whole life. Spot the signs and symptoms and get back in the game. (View video)
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Specifically, a concussion occurs when an impulse is sent to the brain, causing a complex metabolic chain of events.
In addition, what many people may not realize is that concussions can just as easily occur from a blow to the body, which causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth within the skull. A concussion is a functional injury to the brain, so structurally the brain appears normal on all imaging, including CT scans and MRIs.
A concussion can affect abilities at school and everyday life. Recovery is different for every person, thus recovery time cannot and should not be predetermined. Each athlete is individually injured.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of a concussion is determined through clinical examination. By definition, all imaging tests, such as CT scan and MRI, appear normal.
Treatment/management:
The main objective when someone sustains a concussion is to keep the exertion to the brain to a minimum. This will keep the gap of supply and demand to a minimum. This includes no physical exertion, no extreme visual stimulus, limited cognitive stress, and altered food and drink intake.
Prognosis:
The prognosis for a concussion that is properly managed is good. However, if the concussion is not managed appropriately, the athlete may have lingering side effects for weeks to months to years!
|
Physical Symptoms (Body) |
Cognitive Symptoms (Mind) |
Emotional Symptoms (Feelings) |
Maintenance Symptoms (Energy) |
|
Headache |
Fogginess |
Irritability
(Grumpy) |
Fatigue (Body is
Tired) |
|
Nausea |
Feeling
"Slowed Down" |
Sadness |
Drowsy (Mind is
Tired) |
|
Vomiting |
Trouble
Concentrating |
More Emotional
than Usual |
Sleeping Less
than Usual |
|
Balance Problems |
Troubles with
Memory |
Nervous or
Anxious |
Sleeping More
than Usual |
|
Dizziness |
Change in Smell |
|
Trouble Falling
or Staying Asleep |
|
Sensitivity to
Light |
Change in Taste |
|
Change in
Appetite |
|
Sensitivity to Noise |
Ringing in the
Ear |
|
Change in Energy
Levels |
|
Visual Problems |
|
|
|
|
Numbness or
Tingling |
|
|
|
|
Neck Pain |
|
|
|
-
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works.
more -
What is ImPACT?
ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) is the most widely used and most scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system.
more -
Sports Concussion Clinic
Any body who is suspected of having a concussion should be evaluated within 24-72 hours by a Credentialed ImPACT Consultant (CIC).
more