Sports concussion-what is it? | Sligo Physio Space

Sports Concussion

Concussion

is one of the most common injuries in sports and recreation activities
accounts for 15% of all injuries in youth sports
is a type of brain injury that is caused by a direct blow to the head or a force transmitted to the head
Concussion may reduce further participation in sport and physical activity, it can adversely affect future health and can lead to post-concussion syndrome.

What happens to the brain with a concussion?

Biology of concussion

Starts with stretching and damage of cells, ion movement, neurotransmitter release, short-circuiting of networks
Brain cells have an energy crisis with changes to the brain wiring, blood flow and reduced neurotransmission
These changes are associated with migraine, confusion, dizziness, risk of repeated traumatic brain injury, cognitive(mental) processing problems
Normally the biological changes recover and you can then safely return to work/school and play.
However, some changes may persist- with metabolic changes, damaged neurons/wires, inflammation, waste buildup, altered neurotransmission and this can cause persistent problems

The recent history of Concussion Management

In 2001 the first International Conference on concussion in Sport was held and from here the first consensus statement on concussion in sport was published. This has changed drastically the practice of concussion management in sport.

Concussions are predictable and preventable and prevention should be targeted in 3 ways:

Primary prevention targets healthy individuals and reducing their risk of sustaining a concussion

Secondary Prevention – prevention of recurrence in those who have sustained a previous concussion

Tertiary Prevention- rehabilitation strategies to prevent long-term symptoms associated with concussion

Risk factors for concussion in sport are involvement in collision sport, previous concussion history, competition (versus training), rules of the game, age, sex and level of play.

Reduction of risk of concussion strategies

There is some evidence to support the reduced risk of concussion with the use of protective headgear and mouthguards in collision sports. There is significant evidence to support policy and rule changes in reducing the risk of concussion with up to 90% reduced concussion risk in youth ice hockey with the disallowing of body checks. The limitation of contact practice in youth American football has been shown to reduce the risk by up to 53%.

How is a concussion diagnosed?

Observation of a direct/indirect hit to the head
The individual becomes disorientated, confused and unable to respond to simple questions
A blank or vacant look
Balance or walking disturbances
Headache
Nausea/Vomiting
Drowsiness
Tiredness
Blurred vision
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating/remembering
Sensitivity to light or noise

There is no clinical brain imaging to diagnose concussion or monitor recover so it is vital to know the signs and symptoms of concussion.

The stages of Concussion and Recovery

Concussive event– direct/indirect blow to the head

Acute period – Symptoms and physiological dysfunction

Post-Acute– Full clinical recovery – no symptoms -but persistent physiological dysfunction

Full Recovery– Full clinical recovery and normal physiological function

Detection and Immediate Management of concussion

Removal from play immediately

Assess the athlete for concussion

Rest from cognitive and physical activities for minimum 24-48 hours

Athlete should not be left alone for initial hours

Athlete should not drink alcohol, take prescription or recreational drugs

Athlete should not drive

Modification of school or work activities – e.g limiting time on computer

RE-evaluation from a health care provider and given a guided return to sport activity program

When do I need a medical assessment for concussion?

Neck pain and tenderness

Vision changes

Weakness/tingling/burning in limbs

Increasing headache intensity

Seizure or convulsion

Decreased level of alertness

Complete loss of consciousness

Increasing agitation

When can I return to activity following a concussion?

Most adults are fully recovered in 10-14 days

Most children in 4 weeks

After 48hrs you can start a gradual return to cognitive and physical activity

Below are the recommendations from the 5th International consensus on Concussion Return to School and Sport:

Return to School following concussion for Youth

Mental Activity	Activity at each step	Goal of each step
Daily activities that do not give the child symptoms	Typical activities that the child does during the day as long as they do not increase symptoms (e.g. reading, texting, screen time). Start with 5-15 minutes at a time and gradually build up.	Gradual return to typical activities
School Activities	Homework, reading or other cognitive activities outside of the classroom.	Increase tolerance to cognitive work.
Return to School part-time	Gradual introduction of school- work. May need to start with a partial school day or with increased breaks during the day.	Increase academic activities.
Return to School full time	Gradually progress school activities until a full day can be tolerated.	Return to full academic activities and catch up on missed work

Return to Sport

Each step 24hrs

Minimum one week

Medical clearance before return to sport

No one test to measure recovery

Clinical recovery is full return to activity with no symptoms

Graduated Return to Sport Strategy following a concussion

Exercise Step	Functional Exercise at each step	Goal of each step
Symptom- limited activity	Daily activities that do not provoke symptoms.	Gradual reintroduction of work/school activities
Light Aerobic exercise	Walking or stationary cycling at slow to medium pace. No resistance training.	Increase Hear Rate
Sport Specific Exercise	Running or skating drills. No head impact activities	Add movement
Non-contact training	Harder training drills, e.g., passing drills. May start progressive resistance training.	Exercise, co-ordination, and increased thinking
Full contact Training	Following medical clear- ance, participate in normal training activities.	Restore confidence and assess functional skills by coaching staff
Return to play/sport	Normal game play.