Concussion Flashcards
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth.
True or False: All concussions result in loss of consciousness.
False
List three common signs of a concussion.
- Headache 2. Confusion 3. Dizziness
What should a coach do if they suspect a player has a concussion?
Remove the player from the game or practice and ensure they are evaluated by a medical professional.
Fill in the blank: The _____ protocol is used to assess and manage concussions in athletes.
Return-to-play
What is the minimum time a player should be symptom-free before returning to play after a concussion?
24 hours
True or False: Coaches are required to have training in recognizing concussion symptoms.
True
What is the primary goal of concussion management protocols?
To ensure the athlete’s safety and prevent further injury.
Which organization provides guidelines for concussion management in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Department of Health
What is the purpose of a baseline concussion test?
To assess an athlete’s normal cognitive function so that any changes can be identified after a concussion.
Name one cognitive symptom of a concussion.
Difficulty concentrating
Fill in the blank: Coaches must provide _____ education regarding concussions to players and parents.
Concussion
What should be included in a coach’s concussion management plan?
Emergency contact information, protocols for assessing symptoms, and return-to-play guidelines.
True or False: An athlete can return to play the same day they sustain a concussion.
False
What is one physical sign of a concussion?
Balance problems
What is the acronym for the assessment tool used for concussions?
SCAT (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool)
What should a coach document after a suspected concussion incident?
The incident details, symptoms observed, and actions taken.
Name one emotional symptom of a concussion.
Irritability
What is the role of a certified athletic trainer in concussion management?
To evaluate athletes for concussions and assist in their management and recovery.
Fill in the blank: A player diagnosed with a concussion must go through a _____ process before returning to play.
Graduated return-to-play
What is one long-term risk of returning to play too soon after a concussion?
Second Impact Syndrome
True or False: It is acceptable for a coach to allow a player to continue playing if they say they feel fine after a hit.
False
What factor increases the risk of sustaining a concussion?
Previous history of concussions
What should a coach do if a player shows symptoms of a concussion during practice?
Immediately stop practice and remove the player for evaluation.
What is one visual symptom of a concussion?
Blurred vision
How often should coaches be trained on concussion awareness and management?
Annually
What is the primary focus of the Minnesota Concussion Law?
To protect youth athletes from the risks of concussions.
Fill in the blank: A _____ is a medical professional trained to diagnose and manage concussions.
Physician
What is one common misconception about concussions?
That they only happen in contact sports.
What is the most important step a coach can take to prevent concussions?
Educating players about the risks and signs of concussions.
True or False: All athletes recover from a concussion within a few days.
False
What type of testing may be conducted after a concussion?
Neurocognitive testing
What is one behavioral symptom of a concussion?
Mood swings
What is the purpose of a concussion awareness program?
To educate athletes, coaches, and parents about the risks and management of concussions.
Fill in the blank: Coaches must ensure that players have _____ before returning to play after a concussion.
Medical clearance
What is a common recovery strategy for athletes after a concussion?
Gradual return to normal activities
True or False: A headache is the only symptom of a concussion.
False
What is the recommended action if an athlete experiences worsening symptoms after a concussion?
Seek immediate medical attention.
What role do parents play in concussion management?
To monitor their child for symptoms and ensure they follow recovery protocols.
What is one common physical sign of a concussion during a game?
Loss of coordination
What is one reason why youth athletes may not report concussion symptoms?
Fear of being removed from the game.
Fill in the blank: The _____ test is often used to help evaluate cognitive function after a concussion.
ImPACT
What is the purpose of the ‘return-to-play’ protocol?
To safely reintegrate an athlete back into sports after a concussion.
True or False: Concussions can only occur in contact sports.
False
What is one potential complication of a concussion?
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
What is the first step in managing a suspected concussion?
Remove the athlete from play.
What symptom may persist for weeks or months after a concussion?
Post-concussion syndrome
Fill in the blank: Coaches should develop an _____ plan for concussion management.
Emergency
What is the role of the Minnesota State High School League regarding concussions?
To provide guidelines and resources for concussion management in high school sports.
True or False: Athletes should be encouraged to ‘tough it out’ after a head injury.
False
What is one key component of a concussion education program for coaches?
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of concussions.
What does the acronym ‘KSI’ stand for in relation to concussions?
Kinetic Sports Injury
What is an essential part of follow-up care after a concussion?
Monitoring symptoms and progress.
Fill in the blank: A coach must report any suspected concussion to the _____ immediately.
Athletic director
What factor is crucial in an athlete’s recovery from a concussion?
Rest and gradual return to activity.
What should be done if a player displays confusion after a hit?
Remove them from play and seek medical evaluation.
What is one common emotional response following a concussion?
Anxiety
What is the purpose of concussion baseline testing?
To provide a reference point for evaluating changes after a concussion.
True or False: Concussions can affect anyone, regardless of age.
True
What should players be encouraged to do if they experience concussion symptoms?
Report their symptoms to a coach or medical staff.