INFORMEDTBI
Clinical trials in the diagnosis and management of concussions
STEP 1: RED FLAGS -
CALL AN AMBULANCE
⛔️Neck pain or tenderness
⛔️Double vision
⛔️Weakness or tingling/burning in arms or legs
⛔️Severe or increasing headache
⛔️Seizure or convulsion
⛔️Loss of consciousness
⛔️Deteriorating conscious state
⛔️Vomiting
⛔️Increasingly restless, agitated or combative
Step 2
Observable signs
Visual clues that suggest possible concussion include:
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Lying motionless on the playing surface
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Slow to get up after a direct or indirect hit to the head
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Disorientation or confusion, or an inability to respond appropriately to questions
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Blank or vacant look
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Balance, gait difficulties, motor incoordination, stumbling, slow laboured movements
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Facial injury after head trauma
Step 3
Symptoms
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Headache
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“Pressure in head”
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Balance problems
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Nausea or vomiting
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Drowsiness
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Dizziness
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Blurred vision
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Sensitivity to light
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Sensitivity to noise
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Fatigue or low energy
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“Don’t feel right”
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More emotional
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More Irritable
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Sadness
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Nervous or anxious
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Neck Pain
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Difficulty concentrating
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Difficulty remembering
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Feeling slowed down
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Feeling like “in a fog
Step 4
Memory assessment
Failure to answer any of these questions (modified appropriately for each sport) correctly may suggest a concussion:
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“What venue are we at today?”
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“Which half is it now?”
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“Who scored last in this game?”
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“What team did you play last week/game?”
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Did your team win the last game?”
Any player with a suspected concussion
should be immediately removed from practice or play and SHOULD NOT return to activity until assessed medically, even if the symptoms resolve
Athletes with suspected concussion should:
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Not be left alone initially (at least for the first 1-2 hours).
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Not drink alcohol.
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Not use recreational/ prescription drugs.
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Not be sent home by themselves. They need to be with a responsible adult.
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Not drive a motor vehicle until cleared to do so by a healthcare professional.