Concussions are a risk associated with any sport, physical activity or accident. It is important that everyone understands the symptoms, risks, and management of a suspected brain injury. Please take the time to review the below information and view the below links. It is information everyone needs to understand.
Every year, players of all ages in all sports receive concussion injuries during games and practice. Characterized by an impairment of the brain’s normal function and caused by violent shaking or jarring of the brain, concussions may cause alterations in cognitive function, vision, eye movement, facial movement, or speech. Contrary to popular belief, no helmet in any sport can prevent a concussion.
An athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors suggestive of a concussion should be removed from practice or competition and not returned to play until evaluated by a health care professional with experience in the evaluation and management of concussions. Athletes diagnosed with or suspected of a concussion should not return to activity for the remainder of that day.
It is very important that coaches, parents and players understand the symptoms and have clear communication about expected and appropriate steps. Once a concussion is suspected, it is the responsibility of the family to follow-up with a health care professional and provide your child's coach with information from the doctor.
YOUR SON or DAUGHTER will NOT be allowed to return to play without the OK of a Doctor!
Your coach will have a checklist and protocol form that should be handed to the family and given to your health care provider.
Please read the below management plan and the additional links. The video for parents and players is especially useful.
US Lacrosse Concussion Management Plan Guidelines for U-19 Programs
Return to Physical Activity
Athletes diagnosed with a concussion should rest both physically and cognitively until they are back to their baseline level of symptoms. A graduated return to activity program should be used when the athlete has been cleared to do so by an appropriate healthcare professional. The athlete should gradually increase their level of exertion and risk for contact and be followed for the development of any new symptoms or complications. The following return to activity program is provided as an example.
The return to play progression is an individualized one that should incorporate the individual’s past medical history related to the specific injury (e.g. the nature, burden and duration of symptoms, prior concussion history, history of migraines, learning disabilities, depression/anxiety) as well as how the athlete responds to each step of the progression. There is no cookbook approach and no definitive timeline for return-to play.
Step 1: Rest
Step 2: Return to school and/or daily activities (non-athletic)
Step 3: Begin Aerobic Exercise
Step 4: Sport Specific Training, catching and throwing
Step 5: Non-Contact Drills, line drills, star drills, etc
Step 6: Controlled Full Contact Activity, scrimmage
Step 7: Full Return to Play – Game/Competition
Return to School
Student-Athletes who sustain a concussion should receive the necessary support from their school for classes, exams, and schoolwork that may be affected as a result of a sustaining concussion and post-concussive symptoms. Parents and their healthcare provider should inform their child’s school requesting appropriate support. Types of academic support could include extended time on tests, reduced workload, limited homework time, decreased computer use, testing in a distraction free environment, etc.
Please see the below links for information regarding concussions
CONCUSSION Facts
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/pdf/Lacrosse_Fact%20Sheets_Parents.pdf
Video for parents and players:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/_55YmblG9YM
Training for COACHES:
CONCUSSIONS in Sports Training that is developed by the CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/headsup/training/
More information:
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/sports_specific.html
