Sports Flashcards
Concussion:
What is it?
· A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body, which can result in changes to brain function. It affects brain cells and can lead to various temporary symptoms.
Concussion:
When can it occur?
· Concussions can happen during physical activities such as sports, accidents, falls, or even violent shaking. They can also result from car accidents, physical altercations, or any situation where the head experiences trauma.
Concussion:
Who does it affect?
· Anyone can experience a concussion, but it is more common in individuals who participate in contact sports (e.g., football, rugby, soccer, boxing), children, adolescents, and older adults. Individuals with previous concussions are at higher risk of subsequent injuries.
Concussion:
How does it present?
· Symptoms may include:
o Physical: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise.
o Cognitive: Confusion, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, feeling “foggy.”
o Emotional: Irritability, mood swings, anxiety.
o Sleep-related: Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleepiness.
o Behavioral: Changes in personality or behavior.
Concussion:
How is it treated?
· Immediate care: It’s essential to remove the individual from the activity or situation where the concussion occurred and allow them to rest.
· Rest: Physical and cognitive rest (avoiding activities that require concentration or physical exertion) is critical in the initial recovery phase.
· Gradual Return to Activity: Once symptoms subside, the individual can slowly return to physical activities, following a step-by-step process to avoid another concussion.
· Monitoring Symptoms: Monitoring for worsening symptoms is essential, as any serious deterioration requires immediate medical attention.
· Medical Treatment: There are no specific medications to treat a concussion, but doctors may suggest medications to alleviate symptoms like headaches or nausea.
- SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5)
SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5)
Explanation to a Patient or Athlete:
“The SCAT5 is a standardized tool used to evaluate a person who may have sustained a concussion. It includes several components to assess various aspects of the injury, such as symptoms, cognitive function, and balance. Here’s how it’s used:
· Symptom Evaluation: We’ll ask you about any symptoms you’re experiencing, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, and difficulty concentrating.
· Cognitive Assessment: I’ll test your memory and ability to concentrate, such as recalling words or numbers, as well as testing your reaction time.
· Balance Testing: You may be asked to stand on one leg or perform certain movements to assess your balance.
· Neurological Screen: We’ll also check for any issues with coordination, speech, and eye movements.
This tool helps us get an overall sense of your condition and determine whether it’s safe for you to return to play or if further evaluation and rest are needed.”
SCOAT (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool)
Explanation to a Patient or Athlete:
“The SCOAT is another tool used to assess a person for concussion, especially right after the injury happens. This assessment includes a combination of different questions and tests to help identify if a concussion has occurred:
· Immediate Symptom Check: We’ll ask about symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, and nausea right after the injury.
· Cognitive Function Testing: Similar to SCAT5, we check your memory, attention, and reaction time to ensure there’s no cognitive impairment.
· Physical Coordination Check: Balance testing is done to identify any problems with coordination or stability.
· Observation of Behaviour: This helps us see if you’re behaving unusually or exhibiting signs of distress due to the concussion.
Both SCOAT and SCAT tools are used to guide the decision of whether to clear someone to return to sport or activity, ensuring safety in the recovery process.”
Steps for Using SCAT5 and SCOAT in Practice
- Initial Assessment: Immediately after the suspected concussion occurs, use the SCOAT or SCAT to evaluate the athlete’s symptoms and cognitive function.
o SCOAT is often used in the first 24 hours after the injury, while the SCAT5 is used for ongoing monitoring.
- Symptom and Cognitive Screening:
o Ask about the symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness, etc.).
o Perform cognitive tests (e.g., memory and concentration tests).
- Physical and Balance Tests:
o Perform balance assessments, such as standing on one leg or walking a straight line.
- Repeat Assessment: If the athlete is still symptomatic after a certain time, repeat the SCAT or SCOAT in 24-48 hours to assess recovery progress.
- Decision-Making:
o If symptoms persist or worsen, the athlete should not return to play and may require further medical evaluation.
o If symptoms resolve and the athlete passes cognitive and balance assessments, they may be cleared for gradual return to activity, under supervision.
Question (Paeds)
Jenny is a newborn baby. A midwife has referred Jenny to physiotherapy to be assessed for positional talipes.
6) pent hor pu wel ase ay or Congta aipinone?
Equinovarus.
What are the red flags in the Assessment/Neuro Screening following a concussion?”
Answers are:
- Neck pain or tenderness
- Seizure or convulsion
- Double vision
- Loss of consciousness
- Weakness or tingling/burning in more than 1 arm or in the legs
- Deteriorating consciousness scale
- Vomiting
- Severe or increasing headache
- Increasingly restless, agitated or combative
- GCS < 15
- Visible deformity of the skull
What 5 different areas are assessed during SCAT?”
Answers are:
1. Observable signs
2. Glasgow Coma Scale
3. Cervical Spine Assessment
4. Coordination & Ocular/Motor Screen
5. Memory Assessment Maddocks Questions
Q: “What observable signs should you be aware of post-concussion?”
A:
- Lying motionless on playing surface
- Falling unprotected to the surface
- Balance/gait difficulties, motor incoordination, ataxia; stumbling, slow/laboured movements
- Disorientation or confusion, staring or limited responsiveness, or an inability to respond appropriately to questions
- Blank or vacant look
- Facial injury after head trauma
- Impact seizure
- High-risk mechanism of injury (sport-dependant)
Q: “What three areas should you look at within the Glasgow Coma Scale?”
A: Best eye response, Best verbal response & Best motor response
Q: “What four questions should you check in the cervical spine assessment?”
A:
- Athlete report neck pain? Y/N
- Tenderness on palpation? Y/N
- If no pain nor tenderness, does athlete have full AROM? Y/N
- Limb strength & sensation normal? Y/N
Q: What tests the ocular/motor system within SCAT?
A: Without moving their head or neck, can the athlete look side-to-side & up-and-down without double vision?
Q: What constitutes as an error during the modified mBESS (Balance & coordination)
A:
- Taking hand(s) off hips
- Opening eyes
- Step, stumble or fall
- Abduction or flexion of the hip beyond 30 degrees
- Lifting forefoot or heel off testing surface
- Remaining out of the proper testing position for > 5 seconds
