Nepean Hotspurs Soccer Club. Concussion Protocols

Transcription

1 Nepean Hotspurs Soccer Club Concussion Protocols

2 Contents Overview... 3 What Is A Concussion?... 3 Are Concussions Cause For Concern?... 3 Concussion Statistics... 4 Concussion Assessment... 5 Return to Play... 5 Nepean Hotspurs Soccer Club Page 2

3 Overview This manual will be a comprehensive overview of what a concussion is, how it occurs, and the lasting deleterious effects that may ensue. Further, concussion assessment (i.e. signs and symptoms) and return to play will be covered for same prevention and maintenance of care, with a gradual and progressive process that will allow the athlete to once again participate. A large body of the information found within this manual has been taken or adapted from the OSA's website: Concussions. What Is A Concussion? A concussion is a traumatic brain injury with lasting and serious effects, such as an increased risk of suicide. This sort of brain trauma is categorized as encephalopathy (disease or disorder of the brain). Concussions may occur due to a direct blow to the head, or indirectly (such as whiplash). Symptoms may range in severity. Lesser symptoms may include dizziness or headaches, while more severe symptoms can include loss of consciousness or impaired functioning. Concussions are not to be taken lightly. They are a form of brain injury and should be treated with the utmost respect and care. Our brains effectively float within our skull and surrounded by cerebral/spinal fluid, which acts as a protective barrier. During impact or torsion our brain can bounce around within our skull. The delicate neural pathways and connections may be easily damaged, which leads to brain injury and impaired functioning. Are Concussions Cause For Concern? Yes, absolutely unequivocally and without a doubt. In particular, youth are highly susceptible to the lasting effects of concussions. This fact is largely due to their brains (e.g. front lobe) still developing well into their mid 20s. Research has shown that not only do high school aged kids suffer more serious effects from concussions, but also take much longer to recover. Furthermore, every concussion increases the risk of subsequent concussions considerably. Nepean Hotspurs Soccer Club Page 3

4 There are many serious and lasting long term side effects from concussions, including: cognitive impairment, post-concussion syndrome, and various diseases or disorders of the brain, Information is continuing to be gathered on concussions, yet the current evidence is clear. Concussions are serious and should not be taken lightly whatsoever. Failure to do so can result in lasting and irreversible neurological damage. Concussion Statistics CDC estimates reveal that 1.6 million to 3.8 million concussions occur each year 5-10% of athletes will experience a concussion in any given sport season Fewer than 10% of sport related concussions involve a Loss of Consciousness (e.g., blacking out, seeing stars, etc.) Football is the most common sport with concussion risk for males (75% chance for concussion) Soccer is the most common sport with concussion risk for females (50% chance for concussion) 78% of concussions occur during games (as opposed to practices) Some studies suggest that females are twice as likely to sustain a concussion as males Headache (85%) and Dizziness (70-80%) are most commonly reported symptoms immediately following concussions for injured athletes Estimated 47% of athletes do not report feeling any symptoms after a concussive blow A professional football player will receive an estimated 900 to 1500 blows to the head during a season Impact speed of a professional boxers punch: 20mph Impact speed of a football player tackling a stationary player: 25mph Impact speed of a soccer ball being headed by a player: 70mph Nepean Hotspurs Soccer Club Page 4

5 Concussion Assessment Concussion Protocols Concussions may occur at any time, whether it is game or practice. As such, coaches and trainers must always be involved and monitoring their athletes. Furthermore, teams are provided with pocket Concussion Recognition Tools (CRT), which are small lamented cards that may be used for quick reference, including information such as (1) visible clues of suspected concussion, (2) signs and symptoms of suspected concussion, and (3) memory function. Additionally, all teams will have access to the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT-3) for both adults and children (5-12 years old), which is a more comprehensive reference guide. However, the SCAT-3 may only officially be implemented and used effectively be an individual that is specifically trained. If a concussion is suspected after an incident the athlete is to immediately stop participation, and be medically assessed as soon as possible. During this time the individual is NOT to be left unsupervised. These tools are all covered and reviewed by our preferred medical service providers, BackTracks, under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Lino Panetta in monthly First Responder Information Sessions held at our office. Return to Play Return to play must be followed strictly to ensure full recovery occurs. As referenced earlier, the possibility of suffering a subsequent concussion is significantly increased, and therefore individuals should be conscious of this matter. The following Return to Play is taken directly from the OSA s website: A typical RTP process will be made up of 6 steps. There must be a minimum of 24 hours before each step is assessed although this could be considerably longer than 24 hours. Oversight should be provided by a medical professional. The 6 steps are as follows: 1. No activity, complete rest. Once the athlete is asymptomatic, they proceed to level two. The athlete spends, at the minimum, one day at each stage. 2. Light aerobic exercise such as walking or stationary cycling, no resistance training. Performing step two without symptoms allows the athlete to Nepean Hotspurs Soccer Club Page 5

6 proceed to level three. If symptoms return, the athlete moves back one stage then continues. 3. Sport specific training (e.g. skating in hockey, running in football), progressive addition of resistance training at steps three or four. Performing step three without symptoms allows the athlete to proceed to level four. 4. Non-contact training drills. Performing step four without symptoms allows the athlete to proceed to level five. 5. Full contact training after medical clearance. Performing step five without symptoms allows the athlete to proceed to level six. 6. Game play. Nepean Hotspurs Soccer Club Page 6