Augustana University Concussion Management Plan
The purpose of the Concussion Management Plan is to improve the prevention, recognition, evaluation and management of concussions in student-athletes, and to fulfill the NCAA requirement that each NCAA institution has a protocol for the management of concussions.
Concussion Defined
A concussion is defined as a complex pathophysiological processes affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces caused by either a direct blow to the head, face or neck or elsewhere n the body with an impulsive force transmitted to the head.
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Concussion
Signs and symptoms of a concussion include, but are not limited to headache, “pressure in the head”, neck pain, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, balance disturbance, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to noise, feeling “slowed down”, feeling “in a fog”, difficulty concentrating, difficulty remembering (amnesia), fatigue or low energy, mental confusion, drowsiness, trouble falling asleep, more emotional, irritability, sadness and being nervous and/or anxious.
Responsibility of Reporting Medical Conditions
Each athlete participating in intercollegiate athletics at Augustana University must sign a statement indicating that in the occurrence of an injury, illness or concussion that they report such issue to their coach, certified athletic trainer(s) and/or team physicians.
Concussion Education
Education materials on concussions are posted in the Athletic Training Room of the Elmen Center and can be found on the NCAA website at www.ncaa.org/heatlh-safety.The certified athletic training staff and the team physicians of the University can also provide additional information on concussions.
Pre-injury Baseline Testing
All student-athletes are required to participate in our baseline testing program. This is a one-time test and is not performed on an annual basis. This includes the computerized ImPACT test, Wii Balance Board test, King-Devick test, and the Vestibular / Ocular-Motor Screening (VOMS) test.
On-Field / Sideline Assessment
When an athlete shows any signs or symptoms of a concussion, they will immediately be removed from the practice or competition and will be examined by a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and/or team physician. The attending ATC will utilize a Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT5) to assess the athlete’s cognitive and physical symptoms. A student-athlete who demonstrates symptoms of a concussion will not be allowed to participate in athletic activities.
Post-Injury ImPACT Testing
Student athletes who have sustained a concussion will be given a post-injury ImPACT test. Results will be reviewed by the team physician. When applicable, the student-athlete will then take the Wii Balance, King-Devick and VOMS tests which will be used to monitor the student-athletes progress and to assist the team physician with when the student-athlete can start the Return to Learn – Play protocol.
Follow-up Assessment
Clinical follow-up assessments will be performed by the Certified Athletic Training staff.
Home Care Instructions
After an athlete has sustained a concussion, they will be given basic home care instructions which explain the common symptoms of a concussion, and given direction on what they should and should not be doing at home to manage the concussion and explained the need to seek care urgently should their symptoms worsen. The parent, coach, roommate or other individuals that will be monitoring the concussed student-athlete will be given these same home care instructions as well.
Notification of Student Services / Academic Accommodations
When a student-athlete has been diagnosed with a concussion, the Accessibility and Academic Support Services department will be contacted by the Certified Athletic Training staff and/or team physician. An ImPACT Academic Accommodations form will be completed by the team physician and given to the director of the Accessibility and Academic Support Services department. They will, in turn, contact the student athlete’s class instructors/professors to notify them of the physician academic accommodation recommendations.
Return to Learn - Play Protocol
- Athletes diagnosed with a concussion must have cognitive and physical rest until symptom-free.
- The team physician will submit a form to the Accessibility and Academic Support Services department for student-athletes who need Academic Accommodations.
- Athletes must be asymptomatic at rest, re-take the ImPACT test and the other baseline tests and be asymptomatic with the following exertion progression steps before they will be allowed to return to the classroom and/or physical activity.
- Each step of the following exertion steps must be successfully completed without any return of concussive symptoms. Generally, only one step will be performed within a 24-hour period unless directed by the team physician.
- Be successful in an academic environment (ie. classroom)
- Light aerobic activity (walking, swimming, stationary bike – no resistance training)
- Sport-specific exercise (individual drills within a non-contact environment)
- Non-contact practice (advanced position drills and resistance training in the weight room)
- Full contact practice
- Full return to sport without limitations
5. The team physician will determine an athlete’s full return to play status.
-- Fall 2018 --
