Concussion Management and ImPACT
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain works. Even a "ding" or a bump on the head can be serious.
What are signs and symptoms of a concussion?
You can't see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of a Concussion can show up right after the injury or can take days or weeks to appear. If your teen reports any symptoms of a concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away!
The following are some symptoms of a concussion:
- Headache
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or fuzzy vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling sluggish, over tired
- Feeling foggy or groggy
- Concentration or memory problems
- Confusion
- Emotional response
- Personality change
- Loss of consciousness
The Hatboro Horsham / Moss Sports Rehab Sports Concussion Program
The Sports Concussion Program with Moss Sports Rehab focuses on the prevention, evaluation, and management of concussion injuries. The goal of the program is to safely return the athlete to play following a concussion through the implementation of a comprehensive concussion management program. As part of the concussion evaluation, the program uses a computerized assessment measure called ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) to help determine when full recovery has occurred. ImPACT is a 20 minute computerized neuropyschological assessment of memory, attention, reaction time, processing speed, and post-concussion symptoms that is currently being used by the NFL, NHL, MLB, as well as numerous colleges, high schools, and organizations. ImPACT provides specific objective information regarding the severity of the injury and can help take the guess work out of return to play decisions as well as prevent the cumulative effects of multiple concussions. These tests are regarded as privileged medical information and results are not shared with anyone besides the medical staff.
- *Approximately ten percent off all athletes involved in contact sports suffer a concussion each year
- *It is estimated that up to 20% of football players will sustain a concussion each season
- *Although football has the greatest risk, soccer, wrestling, hockey, lacrosse, basketball, and cheerleading also carry a significant rick
- *"Bell Ringers" or mild concussion account for 75% of all concussive injuries
- *Many concussion go undiagnosed and unreported because signs and symptoms can vary from athlete to athlete
- *Traditional procedures such as CT, MRI, and EEG are not consistently useful in evaluating the effects of a concussion
- *The best way to prevent problems with concussion is to manage them effectively when they occur; recovery time and proper healing following a concussion are essential in preventing worsening of symptoms, repeat concussions, or permanent damage.
- *Many older return to play decisions are based on observation and the athletes self report of symptoms which an incomplete assessment of recovery.
- *Effects of concussion are cumulative in athletes who return to play prior to complete recovery
Hatboro-Horsham High School/Keith Valley Middle School Concussion Management Policy
Concussions are dangerous and life threatening injuries and it is imperative that they are handled appropriately. All concussions and/or head injuries must be referred to the Certified Athletic Trainer or a physician that specializes in concussion management. All students who participate in the following sports must take the ImPACT neuro-cognitive baseline test before participating:
- Baseball
- Boys and Girls Basketball
- Boys and Girls Lacrosse
- Boys and Girls Soccer
- Cheerleading
- Field Hockey
- Football
- Softball
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Baseline Testing Frequency Policy
Baseline testing is done every year.
Every 7th and 8th grade student-athlete who wishes to participate in any sport above must take it.
An athlete does not need to take it again in the same school year.
Athletes will have to take it again if their results are deemed unacceptable by the program. (Usually because it was taken incorrectly)
The Hatboro-Horsham Sports Concussion Management Program return to sport progression follows these steps:
1. Symptom free at rest without medication for two full days. Athlete reports to Certified Athletic Trainer daily to document symptoms.
2. Symptom free for 24 hours following a three tier bike exercise test. If symptoms return, you go back to step 1.
3. ImPACT results close to baseline results.
4. Referral to a doctor that specializes in concussions for clearance with recommendation of a noncontact and contact practice before full participation status.
5. Non contact practice. Per doctors recommendations. Stop if symptoms return.
6. Contact Practice. Per doctors recommendations. Stop if symptoms return.
7. Full return to sport. Per doctors recommendations. Stop if symptoms return.
Time between steps may vary depending on the individual case and physician recommendations.
Concussion Referral Page / Dr. Accomodations Form
CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT AND CLEARANCE:
New Pennsylvania law is currently being drafted stating that any athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion must be removed from play. The athlete may not return until cleared by a licensed health care provider that is trained in the evaluation and management of concussions. The general family doctor will NOT qualify. We are currently following these recommendations. See the trainer for recommended physicians. An appointment with Dr. Watanabe at the DruckerBrain Injury Center can be made with the help of the trainer for your convenience, however, any licensed health care provider that is trained in the evaluation and management of concussions will be acceptable.
Please reference School Board Concussion Policy
Please check out https://impacttest.com/for more great information on concussion management.
Also checkout this video on concussions: