Recently leaders in sports and concussion have produced new guidelines on management of concussion in sports. This is the third such occasion where specialist and leaders from around the world have gathered and have come to agreement on concussion. This agreement has been endorsed by the leading sports organizations : International Football, Rugby, Hockey and the Olympic ruling bodies.
Concussion can affect all athletes and of all ages. The recommendations apply to everyone. Great emphasis is put on recognition of concussion symptoms by players, coaches, staff and officials and the removal of play for the protection of the athlete.
The guidelines also standardize tools to assist in assessing the concussion and the recovery process and the eventual return to play. The assessment can be administered with a sideline card that tests the injured athletes ability to think and reason. It also records the symptoms of the patient. In addition it provides important information for the player and family on what to watch for and what to do next.
Some of the basic recommendations is a thorough assessment by a trained health professional, followed by strict rest until there are no more symptoms. After this there is a step by step return to activity process to ensure a safe return, which should not be allowed until the doctor authorizes this.
This is the third such statement of agreement on managing concussion in sport, but with the greater interest in safe sport and reducing liability, it is being adopted much faster than in the past. Like so many health issues, information and knowledge is key.