Concussion

Question 1

Concussion Red Flags:

Answer 1

Unconscious or deteriorating consciousness
Confusion, irritability or behaviour change
Diplopia or Amnesia
Seizure, Convulsion, Vomiting
Severe neck pain & headache
Neurological deficits

Question 2

What to do if a player is on the floor with a suspected head injury?
(Basic Principles of First Aid)

Answer 2

• Safe approach
• Do not move the player until safe to do so
• Airway, Breathing, Circulation
• Assess for spinal injury
• Do not remove headgear
• DIAL 999 and CALL AN AMBULANCE

Question 3

A player is suspected with a head injury, what sort of Red Flags would need to be present to send them to hospital?

Answer 3

Any Red Flags mean the player should be sent to A&E.

Question 4

What is the earliest return to play following concussion?

Answer 4

No earlier than Day 21

Question 5

What are the various stages of the GRAS programme?

Answer 5

1 - Initial Relative Rest
2 - ADL return & Light Activity
3 - Aerobics & Low Level Body Weight Exercise
4 - Sport-Specific Non-Contact Drills & Resistance Training
5 - Full Contact Practice
6 - Return to Play

Question 5

What is stage 1 of the GRAS programme?

Answer 5

Initial Relative Rest for 24-48 hours post-concussion

Question 6

What would be the earliest possible return toe full contact practice?

Answer 6

No earlier than Day 15

Question 7

What is the GRAS programme?

Answer 7

Gradual Return to Activity & Sport.
6 Stages.

Question 8

What advice should be given to someone with a suspected concussion that does not need to be sent to A&E?

Answer 8

• Call 111 if any symptoms present.
• Minimise screen-time for Stage 1 (24-48hr).
• Rest & Sleep as required for Stage 1 (24-48hr).
• No Alcohol for minimum 24hrs.
• No driving for minimum 24hrs.

Question 9

What is the Prognosis for Concussion?

Answer 9

With adequate rest nearly everyone will recover fully with time.

Question 10

T/F:
Most concussions occur with a loss of consciousness associated.

Answer 10

False - most concussions occur without loss of consciousness (only about 10% involve a loss of consciousness).

Question 11

What is the golden rule of concussions?

Answer 11

If in doubt, sit them out.

Question 12

What is a concussion?

Answer 12

A TBI with resultant disturbance in brain function.

Question 13

What causes concussion?

Answer 13

Direct Blow to the Head or Rapid Movements (Whiplash).

Question 14

What is true about children and adolescents in relation to concussion?

Answer 14

They may be more susceptible.
They may take longer to recover.
They are more susceptible to rare and dangerous neurological complications.

Question 15

As a Pitchside Therapist, what VISIBLE clues are there that someone has suffered a concussion?

Answer 15

• Loss of consciousness or responsiveness
• Sluggishness or Unsteadiness on their feet
• Dazed, Blank or Vacant expression
• Confusion or Slowness Cognitively
• Grabbing and Head
• Tonic Posturing