Uppers Concussions

Question 1

what is a concussion

Answer 1

a brain injury

a complex pathophysiological process that affects the brain, induces by biomechanical forces

Question 2

concussion causes

Answer 2

repetitive forces
direct/indirect impact
impulse force

Question 3

immediate effects on the brain from a concussion

Answer 3

release of neurotransmitters and ionic influxes
effect of potassium and influx of calcium = neuronal depolarization
Na+K+ pump affected
hypermetabolism (increased ATP requirement) and diminished cerebral blood flow = energy crisis
-begins within 24 hours
-lasts 5-10 days
-can last 2-4 weeks
brain is less able to respond to a second impact

Question 4

effect of a concussion after initial response

Answer 4

period of depressed metabolism

continued increase in calcium

Question 5

another occurrence from concussions

Answer 5

axonal injury
-microtrauma to axons in the brain
-stretched (most common)
contributes to potassium problem

Question 6

symptoms of a concussion

Answer 6

dizziness
light-headedness
nausea
headache
emotional Sx

Question 7

physical signs of a concussion

Answer 7

loss of consciousness

amnesia

Question 8

behavioral changes from a concussion

Answer 8

more irritable

emotional Sx

Question 9

cognitive impairment from a concussion

Answer 9

slowed thinking

slowed reaction times

Question 10

people suffering from a concussion also have

Answer 10

sleep disturbances

Question 11

concussion evaluation

• when
• how

Answer 11

when
-any time there is a suspected concussion
how
-first aid
-rule out C-spine

Question 12

concussion

• Dx tools
• reassessment
• diagnostic imaging

Answer 12

pocket concussion recognition tool
SCAT-3
King-Devick Test
reassessment
-use tool
diagnostic
-only used if further injury is suspected

Question 13

neuropsychological assessment

Answer 13

neuropsychological testing
-ImPACT
-KIng-Devick test
assessment by a neuropsychologist
-usually reserved for patients with prolonged issues, multiple concussions

Question 14

Lystedt Law

Answer 14

school districts are required to educate coaches, athletes, and parents about concussions
athletes who are suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury during athletic participation must stop activity
athletes who are removed from play due to a head injury must be evaluated by a licensed healthcare professional

Question 15

modifiers

Answer 15

number, duration, and severity of Sx
LOC and amnesia
repeated concussions
-more conservative
until age 17
mental health disorders
psychoactive drugs or anticoagulants
dangerous style of play or high-risk activity

Question 16

concussion management

Answer 16

cornerstone of concussion treatment
-physical and cognitive rest
graduated RTP protocol
-can begin 24 hours after asymptomatic
Whitworth RTP
-no activity
-light aerobic exercise
-sport-specific exercise
-non-contact training drills
-full contact practice
24 hours between stages

Question 17

concussion complications

Answer 17

second impact syndrome

postconcussion syndrome

Question 18

second impact syndrome

Answer 18

consequence of undiagnosed concussion
increased blood flow
increased intracranial pressure
-within 2 minutes of impact
50% mortality rate

Question 19

postconcussion syndrome

Answer 19

neurological impairments after the injury
altered neurotransmitter function
residual symptoms > 3 months
long-term consequences
treatment