Concussion Management and Return to Play Guidelines

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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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%