When in Doubt, Take them Out!!

Playing with concussion symptoms is dangerous and can lead to a longer recovery and a delay in returning to activity. While your brain is healing, you are at a higher risk of another concussion. Here are the three steps to handling a sports concussion:

1) Recognize
A concussion should be suspected if an athlete displays signs and symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion following an observed or suspected blow to the head or body.

2) Respond
The Emergency Medical system should be activated and the athlete not moved when an athlete is unconscious, exhibits neurological, respiratory, or mental status changes, or appears to be worsening.

Any athlete who displays signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion must be removed immediately from competition or practice and should not be allowed to return to play until cleared by an appropriate health care professional.

Inform the athlete’s parents or guardians that a concussion is suspected. The athlete should be evaluated by a health care practitioner trained in the evaluation and management of concussion.

3) Return
After a period of cognitive and physical rest, making the decision that an athlete is ready to begin a graduated return to learn and play protocol is a medical decision. The athlete should not return to activity until cleared by a health care professional.

As concussion in sport can have an effect on cognition (learning, concentration, attention, memory) a time away from school and work may be necessary. Teachers play an integral role in recovery from concussion. Individualized learning accommodations may be necessary. Once a student is ready to return to learn, a return to academics progression which may include academic accommodations can prevent the exacerbation of symptoms and lead to a successful recovery.

A graduated return to play protocol begins once the athlete is symptom free and has medical clearance. A progression from light activity, to sport specific activity, to practice and games is followed in a step wise protocol.