Sports Concussion

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First published by the Scottish Government, January 2014
ISBN: 9781784120849 (web only)

E-book in EPUB format first published by the Scottish Government, January 2014
ISBN: 9781784120856 (EPUB)

E-book in MOBI format first published by the Scottish Government, January 2014
ISBN: 9781784120863 (MOBI)

The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG

Produced for the Scottish Government by APS Group Scotland
DPPAS14989 (01/14)

Published by the Scottish Government, January 2014

SPORTS CONCUSSION

WHAT IS CONCUSSION?

A concussion is a disturbance in brain function caused by a direct or indirect force to the head. It results in a variety of non-specific signs and/or symptoms and most often does not involve loss of consciousness. Concussion should be suspected in the presence of any one or more of the following:

- Symptoms (e.g., headache), or

- Physical signs (e.g., unsteadiness), or

- Impaired brain function (e.g.,confusion) or

- Abnormal behaviour (e.g., change in personality).

CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

1. Concussion must be taken extremely seriously to safeguard the long-term welfare of young athletes (those aged under 18).

2. Any young person suspected of having a concussion should be immediately removed from play and must not resume play in the match or training on the same day as the suspected concussion.

3. Young people suspected of having concussion must be medically assessed.

4. After a concussion, young people must rest and not take part in any form of training or matches for a minimum 14 days.

5. If after a minimum 14 day rest period young people are entirely symptom free, they must then follow a graduated return to play protocol.

6. It is recommended that every young person seeks medical clearance before returning to play.

RETURN TO SCHOOL

- Concussion may impact on the child's ability to learn at school. This must be considered, and medical clearance should be sought before the child returns to school.

- It is reasonable for a child to miss a day or two of school after concussion, but extended absence is uncommon.

Benjamin Robinson was only 14 years old when he died from second impact syndrome as a result of sustaining a double concussion during a school rugby match in Northern Ireland. Ben sustained his first concussion at the start of the second half but played on for another 25 minutes and was involved in two further heavy collisions. Tragically Ben's death could have been avoided had someone been able to recognise the signs of concussion and remove him from the game.

The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) has been leading the way in Scotland in raising the awareness of the signs and symptoms of concussion. Dr James Robson, the SRU's Chief Medical Officer said:

"Concussion is a serious matter. It is the responsibility of all of us to recognise and remove anyone suspected of being concussed."

Dr John MacLean, Medical Officer at the Scottish Football Association said:

"The Scottish FA fully support the implementation of current guidelines for the management of concussion across all sports at all levels and ages. Any sportsman or woman suspected of having concussion should be removed from the field immediately and assessed by a medical practitioner as soon as possible."

Although some sports have higher instances of concussion, it can happen in any sport or recreational activity.

LINKS TO FURTHER CONCUSSION INFORMATION

- International Rugby Board - www.irbplayerwelfare.com/concussion

- Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 4th International Conference on Concussion in Sport, November 2012 - www.bjsm.bmj.com/content/47/5/250.full

- Concussion Recognition Tool - www.bjsm.bmj.com/content/47/5/267.full.pdf

- Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 3 - www.bjsm.bmj.com/content/47/5/259.full.pdf

- Child Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 3 - www.bjsm.bmj.com/content/47/5/263.full.pdf