PAUL PLASKETT, DC, DACO!

Football accounts for the highest percentage of concussions, hockey ranks second

  Concussion can be caused by a direct or indirect hit to the head or body (for example, a hard check)

  A player does not need to be “knocked out” to suffer a concussion.

  Impact magnitude delivered by youth hockey players aged 13-15 was similar to that of college football players

  Average was around 20 Gs of force

  High surpassed 100 Gs

Medical Emergency

Visible injury to the structure of the brain

  Concussion can cause functional damage to brain cells, i.e. how they work.

  In minutes to days following a concussion, brain cells remain in a vulnerable state.

  There is no visible injury to the structure of the brain, meaning that tests like MRI or CT scans appear normal

  Concussion typically results in the rapid onset of short-lived impairment that resolves spontaneously over time

  You will be told to rest until you are fully recovered (that means resting your body and your mind)

  Expect gradual resolution 7-10 days

  Important that those involved with the game have current knowledge to recognize signs and symptoms

  A suspected concussed player should be immediately removed from the game or practice

  Without proper management, a concussion can result in permanent problems and seriously affect one’s quality of life

SIDELINE EVALUATION OF ACUTE CONCUSSION - POCKET S.C.A.T. 2{NOTE}: Abbreviated testing are designed for rapid concussion screening on sidelines are not meant to replace

comprehensive neuropsychological testing. Sideline testing should not be used as a stand-alone tool for the ongoing management of sports concussions.

TEST 1: SYMPTOMSPresence of any one or more of the following signs & symptoms may suggest a concussion.(Check those that are present)

Loss of consciousnessSeizure or convulsionAmnesiaHeadache“Pressure in head”Neck PainNausea or vomitingDizzinessBlurred visionBalance problemsSensitivity to lightSensitivity to noise

Feeling slowed downFeeling “in a fog”Difficulty concentratingDifficulty rememberingFatigue or low energyConfusionDrowsinessMore emotionalIrritabilitySadnessNervous or anxious

patent pending

TEST 2: MEMORY FUNCTION - MODIFIED MADDOCKS QUESTIONSHave the athlete answer the following questions to the best of their ability:

At what stadium are we at today?

Which period/half is it now?

Who scored last in this match?

What team did you play last game?

Did your team win the last game?

ANSWERED UNANSWERED

TEST 3: BALANCE TESTING - PERFORM EACH TEST FOR 20 SECONDS. IF AN ERROR IS MADE, HAVE ATHLETE RESTART.ONLY 5 ERRORS SHOULD BE ALLOWED FOR EACH. NOTE HOW MANY ERRORS ARE MADE BELOW.

A. TANDEM STANCE

Stand heel-to-toe with your non-dominant foot in back and hands on hips. Weight should be evenly dispersed across both feet. Make sure eyes are closed. Maintain balance for 20 seconds.

Balance on the right foot with hands on hips and eyes closed. Balance for 20 seconds. Perform the routine again on the opposite foot.

Stand up straight and balance evenly. Start with your arms straight out to the sides. Alternating each hand, touch finger to nose. Once again, eyes should be closed during test. Repeat for 20 seconds.

B. ONE-FOOT BALANCE C. FINGER-TO-NOSE TEST

Any athlete with a suspected concussion should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY, urgently assessed medically, and not be left alone and/or drive a motor vehicle.

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  Properly educate our athletes   Rules are enforced   Respect for the mutual safety of fellow players   Protective equipment

The full version of this presentation is available on DVD and can be purchased by visiting:

www.shockwaveimpact.com

To schedule a speaking engagement for your team or organization please contact:

Dr. Paul Plaskett, DC, DACO docplaskett@gmail.com