Sideline Concussion Evaluation
With the start of high school and college football on our doorstep, an important consideration for athletes are head injuries. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. In sports, especially contact sports like football, soccer, hockey, and rugby, concussions are common and potentially dangerous if not identified and managed properly. Sideline concussion evaluation plays a crucial role in recognizing and addressing these injuries immediately, helping prevent further damage and ensuring the safety of athletes.
It is important to recognize that a player does not need to take a direct blow to the head to suffer from a concussion, and often times seemingly non-violent collisions can produce a concussion. Because concussions do not always present visible symptoms and can vary widely between individuals, immediate and thorough assessment is essential. The evaluation typically involves observing the athlete, asking targeted questions, and performing cognitive and physical tests.
The tool that is used on the sidelines in most high school, NCAA, and professional leagues, including MISD, is the SCAT5 (Sports Concussion Assessment Tool, 5th Edition). This standardized tool includes several components, including a symptom checklist, cognitive screening (including memory and orientation questions), balance tests, and neurological exams.
Physical signs such as loss of consciousness, confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light or noise are also key indicators. Coaches, athletic trainers, and medical personnel are often trained to recognize these symptoms and respond appropriately. It is important to recognize that a player does not need to lose consciousness to be diagnosed with a concussion.
If you are a fan or a parent, or even a player, it is important to recognize that sideline personnel have the participants’ best interest in mind. Our simple motto is “if in doubt, sit them out.” This is an indication that more through evaluation by a physician trained in concussion diagnosis and management is needed. Continuing to play with a concussion increases the risk of second-impact syndrome—a rare but potentially fatal condition where a second concussion occurs before the first one has healed.
The goal of sideline concussion evaluation is to make sure the competitor is safe and able to participate in event, and is not used as a punishment. Sideline concussion evaluation is a vital part of sports medicine and athlete safety. Prompt and accurate assessment can prevent long-term health consequences and allow for proper recovery. With increased awareness, better training, and standardized tools like the SCAT5, we can help keep our student-athletes at their best in the classroom and the sidelines.