SAQ 327 – Sports Medicine – concussion and return to play

Sports Medicine – concussion and return to play.

a. Symptoms

• Pressure in the head.
• Dizziness or balance problems.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Drowsiness, fatigue, or low energy.
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light/noise.
• Feeling slowed, foggy, emotional, irritable, anxious, or having memory/concentration difficulty.
• Neck pain.

b. Assessment tool

• SCAT concussion assessment tool.

c. Discharge and return advice

• Rest physically and cognitively at first, then gradually increase activity as symptoms allow.
• Recovery time is variable and symptoms should guide progression.
• Return to sport must be a medically supervised graded process.
• He should not play in the grand final in one week; children generally require a more cautious return, often at least three weeks.
• Return to learning/school should also be symptom guided.
• Arrange follow-up with a GP, paediatrician, or sports physician.