Concussion ManagementCONCUSSION = BRAIN INJURY
SCHS CONCUSSION LETTER AND IMPACTThere has been much recent press and conversation regarding concussions and the serious nature of these mild traumatic brain injuries. As you may know, there is a relatively new law in the state of North Carolina (along with countless other States), signed in June 16, 2011. It requires ALL NC (or other states with this law) school boards to have a policy in place to manage concussions for their students. This law and protocols are in place to help to prevent Second Impact Syndrome as well as to insure a safe return to play for each athlete.
Second Impact Syndrome is a rare, but serious condition that can develop swiftly and can be deadly. It is a scenario where one suffers a second trauma to the head before fully recovering from an initial concussion. The brain is in a vulnerable state while healing and the additional impact can lead to a cascade of physiological changes in the brain that can lead to brain swelling and even death. Since 2005, Carrie Powell (ATC) through Sports Medicine started SCHS Athletics (and JV Football) concussion testing via ImPACT (http://www.impacttest.com) a neurocognitive testing as an additional tool to help the MD make a safe return to play decision. Sports Medicine implements this innovative program for our Student-Athletes without cost to you THANKS to the support of our orthopedic physicians and Sports Medicine that annually pays for this service for your child. Each athlete playing a contact/collision sport will take a baseline test. If he/she suffers a concussion, a post test(s) will be administered until results return to baseline. This is not an IQ test, but a series of challenges that measures such skills as verbal, visual memory, reaction time, and concentration, etc. Since youngster's brains are still developing, baseline tests are valid for 2 yrs. So we baseline test all (JV FB), HS Freshmen and Juniors or athletes in those contact/collision sports that have never taking the ImPACT test. And on rare occasions a mandatory retest is also done if the baseline test is “invalid” according to ImPACT. If your child is believed to have suffered a concussion, he/she MUST be removed from play IMMEDIATELY. The certified athletic trainer (ATC) will perform an evaluation that could included, but not limited to ImPACT, SCAT2, BESS, etc...and provide a Graded Symptom Checklist. ATC will help athlete fill out the form for time of injury. The athlete and parent will be asked to complete the form again in 2-3 hours and then daily until symptoms resolve. Monitoring self reported symptoms will help the ATC and MD track your progress. The ATC will speak to parents and coach, then recommend a plan for the rest of the day - observation and/or immediate ER evaluation depending on severity. Rest - physical and cognitive are currently the best treatments for a concussion. The athlete should avoid physical activity and excessive mental multi-tasking - texting, video games, TV, loud music, schoolwork, until better. Returning to Play - The ATC will work with a LHCP (Licensed Health Care Provider - example MD/DO) team/school MD/DO, and family MD/DO to make a prudent return to play decision. The athlete must be symptom-free for approximately a week, have a normal neurological exam, etc.... ONLY a LHCP (Licensed Health Care Provider - example MD/DO), trained in concussion management, can manage and clear the athlete to begin a 6 step “Return to Play Protocol”. This protocol is designed to gradually increase exertion levels over several days. If the athlete remains symptom free each day through the protocol, the LHCP (Licensed Health Care Provider - example MD/DO) could eventually progress the athlete to full play. The ATC will review all LHCP (example MD/DO) clearance notes with team/school LHCP - example MD/DO's for approval. Limiting homework, test taking, etc. maybe needed if the LHCP feels that it is needed in your son/daughter’s case. If the LHCP feels that such recommendations are needed the ATC will work closely with the LHCP, school, and will have a written 504 notification for your child's teachers and the ATC could if needed included the guidance counselor/to assist in classroom modifications and if directed by the LHCP (example - MD/DO). Thank you for your time and attention regarding this VERY Serious and IMPORTANT injury. Please contact me if you have any questions or if I can help.
North Carolina Concussion STATE LAWOverview
The *Gfeller-Waller Concussion Awareness Act *(NC Concussion STATE LAW) was drafted and implemented to protect the safety of student-athletes in North Carolina and was signed into law on June 16, 2011 by Governor Beverly Purdue. There are three major areas of focus in the law and these include: education, emergency action and postconcussion protocol implementation, and clearance/return to play or practice following concussion. A copy of the Gfeller-Waller Concussion Awareness Act is available here (PDF - 74 kb). Each school should maintain documentation that they are in compliance with the law. *ALL athletes (NC middle school and NC high school) MUST to go through this 6-step "Gradual Return to Play Plan" in order to participate in athletics after a concussion, when the doctor feels the athlete is ready. MAKE SURE the doctor completes this form each time there is a change in the athletes progression to play. This is the ONLY form accepted after a concussion. This is to be filled out by a LHCP (Licensed Health Care Provider - Example MD/DO), for gradual return to play. ONLY a LHCP (Licensed Health Care Provider - Example MD/DO), can clear an athlete to start the 6-step "Gradual Return to play plan". PLEASE CHECK OUT THESE MUST-SEE VIDEOS AND WEBSITES: |
Conconcussions are not just in football
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or by phone at 828-488-2152.