Important Information About Concussions
The term mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is used interchangeably with the term concussion. An MTBI or concussion is defined as a complex pathophysiologic process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces secondary to direct or indirect forces to the head. Concussion, in Latin, means “to shake violently” and MTBI is caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Disturbance of brain function is related to neurometabolic dysfunction, rather than structural injury, and is typically associated with normal structural neuroimaging findings (i.e., CT scan, MRI). MTBI may or may not involve a loss of consciousness (LOC). In fact, recent research suggests that up to 90% of concussions do not involve an LOC (ref). MTBI results in a constellation of physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep-related symptoms. Duration of symptoms are highly variable and may last for as short as several minutes and last as long as several days, weeks, months, or even longer in some cases.1-3 Concussion is a highly variable process and differential outcomes are associated with multiple factors, including the associated biomechanical forces of injury, pre-existing risk factors, and likely other unknown factors or considerations.
Information provided by ImPact.com
Weston Athletic Training is on the forefront of concussion management and takes every precaution when assessing an athlete with a (MTBI) head injury. We use tools such as Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) test, Visual Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) and ImPact neurocognitive testing to record baseline and follow up tests with our athletes.
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Concussion Fact Sheet for Athletes |
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| SPORTS RELATED CONCUSSION/MTBI PROTOCOL
If an athlete is suspected of having sustained a concussion or MTBI (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury) he or she will be removed from competition immediately and will not be released back into their respective sport until they have been cleared by a Physician, Athletic Trainer or another qualified allied healthcare professional. Please follow link for current legislation: http://www.mass.gov/dph/injury The entire healthcare professional team involved in the evaluative and rehabilitative process must consult with one another and make a sound clinical judgment regarding the athlete’s return to play status. *Academic accommodations will be made available if and when deemed necessary pending documentation from a physician. Evaluation: 1. Acute evaluation SCAT5 (on sideline), visual ocular motor screening (VOMS) 2. Recommendations to family and athlete regarding return to school (24-48 hours of rest from academics and other cognitive function) i.e. Video gaming, text messaging, computer use, TV. 3. Make appointment with PCP/medical care provider/MTBI specialist (athlete must see physician for return to play criteria) 4. Follow-up testing when asymptomatic Sport Related Concussion Rehabilitation Protocol SWAY neurocognitive testing can only be performed when asymptomatic (no symptoms) for 24 hours. Student athlete will progress sequentially through each rehabilitation phase and may not progress to the next phase until asymptomatic for 48 hours min. Phase 1 Post injury (SWAY follow-up test #1) Phase 2 Exertion (non impact) Phase 3 Sports Specific rehab (SWAY follow-up test #2 performed following day) Phase 4 Light Contact Phase 5 Follow-up scores fall within normal reliable change index, student athlete may return to full activity with no restrictions. |
