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Concussion Athlete Information

Resource Type

Parent Handouts and Info - Parent

Description

Handout with information for athletes recovering from a concussion

Ages

All Ages

Age Groups

School Age (6-12), Adolescence (13-21)

Web Address

http://resources.childhealthcare.org/cocoon/dtw/parent-text/safety/concussion.html

Languages

English

Concussion Athlete Information

Concussion Athlete Information

Athlete Information
Any athlete suspected of having a concussion should be removed from play, and then seek medical evaluation.

Signs to watch for:
Problems could arise over the first 24 - 48 hours. The athlete should not be left alone and must go to a hospital at once if they:

  • Have a headache that gets worse
  • Are very drowsy or can't be awakened
  • Can't recognize people or places
  • Have repeated vomiting
  • Behave unusually or seem confused; are very irritable
  • Have seizures (arms and legs jerk uncontrollably)
  • Have weak or numb arms or legs
  • Are unsteady on their feet; have slurred speech

Remember, it is better to be safe.
Consult your doctor after a suspected concussion.

Return to play:
Athletes should not be returned to play the same day of injury.

When returning athletes to play, they should be medically cleared and then follow a stepwise supervised program, with stages of progression. For example:

Rehabilitation stage Functional exercise at each stage of rehabilitation Objective of each stage
No activity Physical and cognitive Rest Recovery
Light aerobic exercise Walking, swimming or stationary cycling keeping intensity, 70 % maximum predicted heart rate. no resistance training increase heart rate
Sport-specific exercise Skating drills in ice hockey, running drills in soccer. no head impact activities Add movement
Non-contact training drills progression to more complex training drills, eg passing drills in football and ice hockey. may start progressive resistance training Exercise, coordination, and cognitive load
Full contact practice Following medical clearance participate in normal training activities Restore confidence and assess functional skills by coaching staff
Return to play Normal game play

There should be at least 24 hours (or longer) for each stage and if symptoms recur the athlete should rest until they resolve once again and then resume the program at the previous asymptomatic stage. Resistance training should only be added in the later stages.
If the athlete is symptomatic for more than 10 days, then consultation by a medical practitioner who is expert in the management of concussion, is recommended.

Medical clearance should be given before return to play.

Concussion Injury Advice
(To be given to the person monitoring the concussed athlete)

This patient has received an injury to the head. A careful medical examination has been carried out and no sign of any serious complications has been found. Recovery time is variable across individuals and the patient will need monitoring for a further period by a responsible adult. Your treating physician will provide guidance as to this timeframe.

If you notice any change in behavior, vomiting, dizziness, worsening head- ache, double vision or excessive drowsiness, please contact your doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.

Other important points:

  • Rest (physically and mentally), including training or playing sports until symptoms resolve and you are medically cleared
  • No alcohol
  • No prescription or non-prescription drugs without medical supervision. Specifically:
    • No sleeping tablets
    • Do not use aspirin, anti-inflammatory medication or sedating pain killers
  • Do not drive until medically cleared
  • Do not train or play sport until medically cleared

Clinic Phone Number____________________________________________________
Patient's name ___________________________________________________________
Date / time of injury ___________________________________________________
Date / time of medical review ___________________________________________
Treating physician ____________________________________________________

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