Texas State University Concussion Program for Varsity Athletes

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Texas State University Concussion Program for Varsity Athletes"

Barnard Young
5 years ago
Views:

1 Administrative Considerations o Emergency Action Plan placed in all venues including the Concussion Plan for all high risk sports. o Coaching education regarding EAP & Concussion Plan including signs & symptoms of concussion. o Student-Athlete (SA) education regarding concussion, including signs & symptoms, importance of properly fitting equipment, and high risk sport activities (e.g. leading with the head). o Pre-participation Physical Examinations performed for all varsity athletes. o Signed Student Athlete Agreement regarding reporting of all injuries & illness, including signs and symptoms of concussion, to Texas State staff. o AT s on site/available for all high risk practices & games, physician on site/available for high risk home events. Host institutions medical staff utilized for away contests where no Texas State staff is available. o Documentation of baseline testing (ImPact), initial injury evaluation (SCAT3 & BESS) as well as daily symptom scoring. Documentation (AT & team physician) of initial & subsequent evaluations, change in status regarding activities and final clearance to return to play. o Texas State Concussion Information Sheet given to athletes that have sustained a concussive injury. Texas State University Athletic Medicine Pre-Participation Exam: 1st year SA s o Includes questions regarding modifiers: prior concussion history, learning disabilities requiring stimulant medications, migraines, seizure history. o Computerized neuropsychological (NP) testing (e.g. Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT)) and BESS (Balance Error Scoring System) performed for all at risk sport athletes (Football, Women s Soccer, Men s & Women s Basketball, Men s & Women s Pole Vaulting, Baseball and Softball). o If an athlete has a significant history of prior concussion(s), or significant other modifiers, the team physician may request that NP testing include computerized neuropsychological testing (e.g. ImPACT) as well as additional paper & pencil (P & P) tests, and may also request additional consultation and/or testing. Sideline Evaluation o When an athlete exhibits signs/symptoms of concussion, they should be removed from play and not allowed to return to play then followed up by an evaluation from a Licensed health care provider. o An athlete with worsening symptoms, especially worsening headache, nausea or vomiting, increased confusion, garbled speech, lethargy or extreme sleepiness, trouble using their arms or legs, convulsions or seizure activity should be transported emergently by public safety / ambulance to the emergency room. Any athlete with neck pain should be treated as if a cervical spine injury is present, and the appropriate emergency procedures (cervical spine immobilization, emergency room transfer) initiated. o If there is no AT or team physician available, and the athlete has minimal symptoms, the athletic trainer / team physician should be contacted to determine a plan for evaluation of the athlete. If you are unable to contact the Texas State staff, contact SHC at UPD should be called for transportation. o For away contests when an ATC is not available, the host institutions medical staff should be utilized. o The Sports Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT 3) should be conducted by the AT for the evaluation of the injured athlete when the SA is medically stable. o The athlete will be withheld from play, until cleared for participation, if an AT makes a concussion assessment. o The athlete will be withheld from play if a physician makes a concussion diagnosis.

2 Management o Physician evaluation of concussed athletes: Will be dependent on AT assessment & clinical judgment. The AT will contact the team physician to discuss follow up. o The team physician will: determine additional testing / consultation as indicated educate SA regarding importance of reporting all / any symptoms determine if any modifications to school or other demands necessary (e.g. refer to Office of Disabilities, communicate with deans, parents, others) o Follow up / ongoing management: Daily follow up of symptoms using symptom checklist. Post Injury NP Testing (e.g. ImPACT, BESS, and paper/pencil tests) performed hrs post injury or as determined by team physician. Follow up with AT/team physician once ready to progress activities as well as to return to full play (If not seen in follow up by team physician, must be discussed) o Return to Play Decision: Return to activity will be an individualized decision based upon consultation with the athletic trainer, athlete, neurocognitive / balance testing, and additional outside consultation when necessary. The total time the athlete will be held out of activity and the rate of progression to return to activity will be individualized, with the final decision being made by the team physician Modifiers to consider; o Age o Prior history of concussion (#, specifics of injurie(s), severity of injuries, recency) o Learning disabilities (e.g. ADHD) o Migraine History o Seizure history o Other (e.g. emotional readiness, anxiety, depression, parental concern) Athlete must by symptom free for 24 hours prior to returning to cardiovascular exertion An athlete with signs / symptoms of concussion at rest or exertion will not be allowed to participate. Gradual progression in activity; step-wise with gradual increments in physical exertion and risk of contact. No more than 2 of the following may be done per day and if symptoms occur then previous steps must be repeated until SA is symptom free. o Cardiovascular challenge (15 20 minutes) o Unlimited cardiovascular activity, sport-specific activities o Non-contact drills o Full-contact drills o Return to game play Rate of progression and final clearance is determined by the team physician/at o No return to contact until neurocognitive and balance testing considered normal o If NP testing interpreted as abnormal, repeat NP testing as appropriate, with at least 48 hours between repeat testing o Clearance & Final Follow Up: Final clearance decision made by Texas State team physician. Additional consultation and/or testing may be indicated and will be determined by the team physician. SA will receive education regarding importance of reporting all symptoms as well as increased risk for concussion, and delay in recovery, with subsequent injury. Repeat NP testing (computerized and Paper & Pencil testing) for returning student athlete prior to following year to establish a new baseline.

3 Concussion Awareness Letter The Texas State University Athletic Medicine and Athletic Academic Center would like to inform you that sustained a concussion during on / /. He/she was evaluated by, MD, team physician. will undergo additional concussion testing today. A concussion or mild traumatic brain injury can cause a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Concussions range in significance from minor to major, but they all share one common factor they temporarily interfere with the way your brain works. We would like to inform you that during the next few weeks this athlete may experience one or more of these signs and symptoms. Headache Balance Problems Diplopia - Double Vision Photophobia Light Sensitivity Misophonia Noise Sensitivity Feeling Sluggish or Groggy Difficulty Concentrating Nausea Dizziness Confusion Difficulty Sleeping Blurred Vision Memory Problems As a department, we wanted to make you aware of this injury and the related symptoms that the student athlete may experience. Although the student is attending class, please be aware that the side effects of the concussion may adversely impact his/her academic performance. Any consideration you may provide academically during this time would be greatly appreciated. We will continue to monitor the progress of this athlete and anticipate a full recovery. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you in advance for your time and understanding with this circumstance. David Gish MEd, ATC, LAT Jason Karlik, MEd, ATC, LAT Head Athletic Trainer (512) dg04@txstate.edu jk19@txstate.edu Darcy Downey, EdD, ATC, LAT Luke Montgomery, MS, ATC, LAT dd09@txstate.edu lm1208@txstate.edu Bleey Martinez, MS, ATC, LAT brm54@txstate.edu

4 Concussion Patient Information Sheet Name: : You have had a concussion and need to be watched closely for the next several days until you have completely recovered. The following information is regarding your treatment and recovery. What is a concussion? A concussion is a brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body. It may occur from contact with another player, hitting a hard surface such as the ground, floor, being hit by a piece of equipment such as a bat or ball, or a motor vehicle accident. A concussion can change the way your brain normally works. It can range from mild to severe and presents itself differently for each athlete. A concussion can happen even if you do not lose consciousness. What are the symptoms of a concussion? You can t see a concussion, but you may notice some of the symptoms right away. Other symptoms can show up hours or days after the injury. Concussion symptoms may include: Amnesia Confusion Headache Loss of consciousness Balance problems or dizziness Double or fuzzy vision Sensitivity to light or noise Nausea (feeling that you might vomit) Feeling sluggish, foggy or groggy Feeling unusually irritable Difficulty getting to sleep or disrupted sleep Slowed reaction time Concentration or memory problems (forgetting game plays, facts, meeting times) How do you recover from a concussion? Your brain needs time to heal. Until you completely recover from your concussion, you will be held from all athletic activity. Exercise or activities that involve a lot of concentration, such as studying, working on the computer, or playing video games may cause concussion symptoms (such as headache or tiredness) to reappear or get worse. While your brain is still healing, you are much more likely to have a repeat concussion. In rare cases, repeat concussions can cause permanent brain damage, and even death. Severe brain injury can change your whole life. You will be evaluated by your physician initially and undergo some testing to determine how the concussion is affecting your ability to balance (Neurocom test) and process information (IMPACT test). You will be followed daily by your athletic trainer to monitor your symptoms. When your symptoms are completely gone and your concussion testing results have returned to a normal level, you will perform some exertional tests under the supervision of your athletic trainer. Before returning to your sport, you must be re- evaluated by your physician and medically cleared for return. What to watch for? If you develop any new symptoms or increases in current symptoms, contact your athletic trainer or physician immediately at: Medications: You have been given a medication to take as follows: Acetaminophen (Tylenol): take 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed for headache. Additional Instructions: DO NOT drive a car or motor scooter, drink alcohol, eat greasy or spicy foods, or take aspirin, Aleve, Advil or other anti- inflammatory medications! Follow- up: You will be seen for follow- up examination by on at.

5 Texas State University

6 Daily concussion symptom checklist Headache Pressure in Head Neck pain Nausea or vomiting Dizziness Blurred Vision Balance problems Sensitivity to light Sensitivity to noise Feeling slowed down Feeling like in a fog Don t feel right Difficulty concentrating Fatigue or low energy Confusion Drowsiness Trouble falling asleep More emotional Irritability Sadness Nervous or anxious Total Score

7 5 Step Graduated** Return to Play **(all steps must be done without symptoms, if athlete experiences symptoms, return to step 1 after 24 hours) Exertion step 1: o 20 minute stationary bike ride (10-14 mph) Exertion step 2: o Interval bike ride: 30 second sprint (18-20 mph)/30 second recovery (10-14 mph) X 10 o Body weight circuit: squats/push ups/sit ups x 20 sec x 3 times Exertion step 3: o 60 yard shuttle run x 10 (40 sec rest) o Plyometric workout (x3) 10 yard bounding 10 medicine ball throws 10 vertical jumps o Non- contact sports specific drills for 15 min. Exertion step 4: o Limited, controlled return to non- contact practice Exertion step 5: o Full sport participation in a practice

Sam Houston State University Department of Athletics Concussion Management Policy

Sam Houston State University Department of Athletics Concussion Management Policy Sam Houston State University will evaluate all student athletes who exhibit signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with