Concussions

Beth – Wood Concussion Form

This form was developed to provide athletes, coaches and parents with current and relevant information regarding concussions and to comply with Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) The Connecticut Law is found under the chapter and title dealing Consumer Protection and Miscellaneous Provisions of the Connecticut General Statutes (21a-432).  The law provides that each operator of a youth athletic activity shall make a written or electronic statement regarding concussions available to each participating youth athlete and their parent/legal guardian upon registration.  Such statement shall be consistent with the most recent information from the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with regard to concussions and shall at a minimum include the signs and symptoms of concussions, including the dangers of continuing to play after sustaining a concussion, the means for obtaining proper treatment, the nature and risks of concussions, and proper return-to-play procedures.

What is a Concussion?

National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) - A concussion is a “trauma induced alteration in mental status that may or may not involve loss of consciousness.” 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - “A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth.” -CDC, Heads Up: Concussion http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/concussion_whatis.html  

Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be mild bump or blow to the head can be serious” -CDC, Heads Up: Concussion Fact Sheet for Coaches http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/pdf/Fact_Sheet_Coaches-a.pdf  

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion: Overview

A concussion should be suspected if any one or more of the following signs or symptoms are present, or if the coach/evaluator is unsure, following an impact or suspected impact as described in the CDC definition above. Signs of a concussion may include (i.e. what the athlete displays/looks like to an observer):

  • Confusion/disorientation/ irritability
  • Trouble resting/getting comfortable 
  • Lack of concentration 
  • Slow response/drowsiness
  • Incoherent/ slurred speech
  • Slow/clumsy movements
  • Loses consciousness
  • Amnesia/memory problems
  • Acts silly/combative/aggressive
  • Repeatedly ask same questions
  • Dazed appearance
  • Restless/irritable
  • Constant attempts to return to play
  • Constant motion
  • Disproportionate/inappropriate reactions
  • Balance problems

Symptoms of a concussion may include (i.e. what the athlete reports):

  • Headache or dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Oversensitivity to sound/light/touch
  • Ringing in ears
  • Feeling foggy or groggy

State law requires that a coach MUST immediately remove an athlete from participating in any athletic activity who:  a) is observed to exhibit signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion following a suspected blow to the head or body, or b) is diagnosed with a concussion, regardless of when such concussion or head injury may have occurred.  Upon removal of the athlete, a coach or league representative must notify the parent or legal guardian within 24 hours that the athlete has exhibited signs and symptoms of a concussion. 

Return to Play (RTP) Protocol Overview Currently, it is impossible to accurately predict how long an individual’s concussion will last.  There must be full recovery before a athlete is allowed to resume participating in athletic activity.  Connecticut law now requires that no athlete may resume participation until they have received written medical clearance from a licensed health care professional (physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), athletic trainer) trained in the evaluation and management of concussions. 

Concussion Management Requirements: 

  1. No athlete SHALL return to participation in the athletic activity on the same day of concussion. 
  2. If there is any loss of consciousness, vomiting or seizures, the athlete MUST be immediately transported to the hospital. 
  3. Close observation of an athlete MUST continue following a concussion.  The athlete should be monitored for an appropriate amount of time following the injury to ensure that there is no worsening/escalation of symptoms. 
  4. Any athlete with signs or symptoms related to a concussion MUST be evaluated by a licensed health care professional (physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), athletic trainer) trained in the evaluation and management of concussions.   
  5. The athlete MUST obtain an initial written clearance from one of the licensed health care professionals identified above directing her/him into a well-defined RTP stepped protocol similar to the one outlined below. If at any time signs or symptoms return during the RTP progression, the athlete should cease activity*. 
  6. After the RTP protocol has been successfully administered (no longer exhibits any signs or symptoms or behaviors consistent with concussions), final written medical clearance is required by one of the licensed health care professionals identified above for the athlete to fully return to unrestricted participation in practices and competitions.