Concussion Management in Sport

What is Concussion?

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A Concussion is a Brain Injury which causes a disturbance to the normal brain function (eg; Memory Loss, Confusion, Dizziness) generally caused by a bump or blow to the head. This sudden impact will cause the brain to bounce around or twist within the skull, often damaging cells and causing an alteration in Neurological Function. Concussion is generally considered a difficult Medical Condition to diagnose , therefore Assessment and Management needs to be individualised.

When treating Concussion in a Sporting Environment such as Rugby/ AFL/ Football, the following framework can be used;

Stage 1 - Day of Injury

1. Recognise: A potential Head Injury must be acknowledged if any player has any of the signs, symptoms or fails questioning

2. Remove: Any players with signs or symptoms of Concussion must be removed from the field immediately

3. Record: The removed player’s injury must be recorded

4. Refer: All players with a potential head injury or Concussion must be referred to a medical doctor or emergency department 

Stage 2- days following the injury

1. Rest: Players must rest until all signs or symptoms have resolved and they have stopped all medication required for concussion symptoms

2. Recover and return to exercise: see graduated return to play below

3. Record and return to contact training: see graduated return to play below

4. Return to play: players 18 and under cannot return to play for at least 19 days after all symptoms and signs have disappeared. Adult players (19 and over), cannot return to play at least 12 days after all symptoms have disappeared. 

Graduated return to play

• This pathway guides the return of a player to full training following a concussions injury. 

Graduated Return to Play Protocol