Concussion Training
Cambridge
Overview
A. Concussion LAW
B. What is a concussion?
C. Detection
D. Intervention
E. Prevention
F. Questions
Concussion Law Act 172
At the beginning of a season for a youth athletic activity, the person operating the
youth athletic activity shall distribute a concussion and head injury information sheet
to each person who will be coaching that youth athletic activity and to each person
who wishes to participate in that youth sport activity.
A person who has been removed from a youth athletic activity under par. (a) may not
participate in a youth athletic activity until he or she is evaluated by a health care
provider and receives a written clearance to participate in the activity from the health
care provider
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/related/acts/172
FAQs
Q: When you have multi-sport athletes, can they sign annual information sheets or
must they do one for each season?
A: No. The distribution of concussion information materials and collection of signed
receipt acknowledgment materials must occur at the beginning of each season for
each athletic activity in which the athlete participates.
Q: If a person coaches multiple sports can he or she receive info one time
per year?
A: No. As with multi-sport athletes, the distribution of concussion information
materials and collection of signed receipt acknowledgment materials must
occur at the beginning of each season for each athletic activity the person
coaches. In addition, the distribution of information materials and collection
of signed receipt acknowledgements are required for each ‘employer/youth
athletic event organization’. For example, if a high school baseball coach
coaches for the school district and another youth athletic activity such as an
American Legion Post, the coach must receive concussion information
materials and acknowledge receipt of such materials from both the school
district and the American Legion Post.
http://www.wiaawi.org/index.php?id=794
FAQs Cont.
Liability on professionals and volunteer coaches
– (4) (a) An athletic coach, or official involved in a youth athletic activity, or health
care provider shall remove a person from the youth athletic activity if the coach,
official, or health care provider determines that the person exhibits signs,
symptoms, or behavior consistent with a concussion or head injury or the coach,
official, or health care provider suspects the person has sustained a concussion
or head injury.
– (b) A person who has been removed from a youth athletic activity under par. (a)
may not participate in a youth athletic activity until he or she is evaluated by a
health care provider and receives a written clearance to participate in the activity
from the health care provider
– (5) (a) Any athletic coach, official involved in an athletic activity, or volunteer who
fails to remove a person from a youth athletic activity under sub. (4) (a) is immune
from civil liability for any injury resulting from that omission unless it constitutes
gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
– (b) Any volunteer who authorizes a person to participate in a youth athletic activity
under sub. (4) (b) is immune from civil liability for any injury resulting from that act
unless the act constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
– (6) This section does not create any liability for, or a cause of action against, any
person.
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/related/acts/172
What is a concussion?
A concussion is
caused by a blow,
bump, or jolt to the
head or body that
causes the brain to
move rapidly inside
the skull.
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/pdf/Parents_Fact_Sheet-a.pdf
What is a Concussion cont.
All concussions ARE
brain injuries!
Concussions are mild
traumatic brain
injuries (TBI)
CT and MRI are
usually normal in
athletes with
concussions
Imagery testing
completed to rule out
brain bleeds or skulls
fractures
MD Lynch, Stacy L, Concussions: Recognition, Management, Safe Return to
Play and Legislations 2012
Detection
Parent Observed:
Athlete Reported:
1. Appears dazed or
1. Headache or
stunned
2. Moves clumsily
3. Mood or personality
changes
4. Slow response to
questions
“Pressure”
2. Nausea or vomiting
3. Double or blurred
vision
4. Confusion
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/pdf/Parents_Fact_Sheet-a.pdf
Detection
Commonly Reported Symptoms:
– 1. Headache 71%
– 2. Feeling Slowed Down 58%
– 3. Difficulty Concentrating 57%
– 4. Dizziness 55%
– 5. Fogginess 53%
Concussions today are still under-reported
by youth athletes.
Lowell, Collins et al.2004, MD Lynch, Stacy L, Concussions: Recognition,
Management, Safe Return to Play and Legislations 2012
Intervention
Evaluate for
signs/symptoms
Take note of athlete’s
report at time of removal
Players should return
after ALL signs and
symptoms have subsided
(Average 7-10 days)
Evaluations are encouraged
to be completed by
licensed officials.
If none are present, an
emergency physician
should be consulted
“When in doubt, sit them out”
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/pdf/coaches_Engl.pdf
Prevention – Education
CDC “Heads up”
– http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/yout
h.html
WIAA
– http://www.wiaawi.org/Health/Concussions.as
px
NFHS
– www.nfhs.org
Prevention-Protective Equipment
Inconclusive data that mouth guards prevent or lessen
severity of concussions. Mouth guards have been linked
to reducing oral injuries.
Helmet use effecting concussion prevention is
inconclusive. However helmets have been proven to
reduce other head injuries. If worn, be sure they fit
properly and are not expired.
http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/43/Suppl_1/i56.abstract
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/pdf/coaches_Engl.pdf
Communication- Coach
Developing relationships with players
increases the chance that the athlete will
report symptoms when apparent.
Female athletes have been concluded to
be more likely to report symptoms as
opposed to males.
Communication-Parent
You know your athlete the best! Take note
to abnormal changes in behavior, mood,
demeanor, etc.
If symptoms are present at home,
communication between coach is
extremely important.
Communication-Athlete
If you think you have a concussion…report
it! Do not fear negative consequences.
Give yourself time to rest and get better!
Questions?