Quiz Bowl Study Guide
Sports Medicine Study Guide – Concussion
What is a Concussion?
A concussion (or mild traumatic brain injury) is an injury to the brain, often resulting from a blow to the head that can cause temporary disorientation, memory loss, or unconsciousness. A concussion can disrupt the way the brain normally works, a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain. The disturbance of brain function is related to neurometabolic dysfunction, rather than structural brain injury, and is typically associated with normal structural imaging findings (a concussion cannot be seen on a CT-Scan or a MRI). Concussion may or may not involve a loss of consciousness, A Concussion results in a constellation of physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related systems. Recovery is a sequential process and symptoms may last from several minutes to days, weeks, months, or even longer in some cases. All concussions are serious, even a “minor bell rung” is a head injury and may result in a concussion and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death.
What is a TBI?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a form of acquired brain injury, occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. A person with a mild TBI may remain conscious or may experience a loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes. Other symptoms of mild TBI include headache, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision or tired eyes, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, fatigue or lethargy, a change in sleep patterns, behavioral or mood changes, and trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking. A person with a moderate or severe TBI may show these same symptoms, but may also have a headache that gets worse or does not go away, repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures, an inability to awaken from sleep, dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes, slurred speech, weakness or numbness in the extremities, loss of coordination, and increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.
What is Second Impact Syndrome?
Second impact syndrome occurs when an athlete returns to sport too early after suffering from an initial concussion. The athlete does not need to receive a strong second blow to the head to set the effects in motion. The athlete may receive only a minor blow to the head or a hit to the chest or back that snaps the head enough to have the brain rebound inside the skull.
What is CTE? Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a degenerative brain disease that results in behaviors similar to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, according to researchers, CTE has a clear environmental cause (repeated brain trauma) rather than a genetic cause. In other words, CTE is the only preventable form of dementia.
What are the Highlights of the HB 2038 (Natasha’s Concussion Law)?
The student-athletes must be removed from play once suspected of having a head injury.
The student-athletes evaluated by a treating Medical Physician chosen by the student’s parent/ guardian using established medical protocols currently used for concussion evaluation and management. KISD requires that this Medical Physician be skilled in Management of Concussions.
A release must be obtained from a physician with training and expertise in managing concussions stating that the athlete has been cleared to begin the return to play protocol AND
The student-athlete must be symptom free for at least 24 hours AND
The student-athlete must demonstrate the return of cognitive ability demonstrated by the ability to complete school tasks including homework & tests at a pre-injury level of functioning without the return of any concussion symptoms.
the following paperwork must be complete PRIOR to the Release to Full Participation :
KISD Return to Play Protocol Documentation/ Athlete Questionnaire Form
Medical Physician Release on the KISD RTP Documentation/ Athlete Questionnaire Form AND
The UIL Release Form signed by the KISD LAT and parent/guardian guardian.
An athlete must complete a school district’s RTP protocol even if the physician writes a clearance note
All documentations will be maintained by the Supervising Licensed Athletic Trainer, Intermediate School Nurse or Intermediate Supervising Coach in the student-athlete’s athletic file folder
What are common SIGNS of a concussion/ head injury?
Appears dazed or has a vacant facial expression, Confused about assignments, Forgets plays, Is unsure of game, score, or opponent, Moves clumsily or displays lack of coordination, Answers questions slowly, Slurred speech, Shows behavior or personality changes, Can’t recall events prior to hit, Can’t recall events after hit, Seizures or convulsions, Any change in typical behavior or personality, Loss of consciousness
What are common SYMPTOMS of a concussion/ head injury?
Headaches, “Pressure in head”, Nausea or vomiting, Neck pain, Balance problems or dizziness, Blurred, double, or fuzzy vision, Sensitivity to light or noise, Feeling sluggish or slowed down, Feeling foggy or groggy, Drowsiness, Change in sleep patterns, Don’t feel “right”, Fatigue or low energy, Sadness, Nervousness or anxiety, Irritability, More emotional, Confusion, Concentration or memory problems, Forgetting game plays
Concussion Notes & Information: ______
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C. Marr