Concussion Recognition & Management
Module 5 Management
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Managing Risk

doctor examines young girl’s eyes
Courtesy ThinkStock: KatarzynaBialasiewicz
Treating concussion involves managing risks. It’s a multi-stage process in which each stage is interrelated with the others, and each stage is necessary to move on to the next. This cycle begins and ends with education.

You educate yourself so you can recognize.
You recognize so you can diagnose.
You diagnose so you can manage.
As part of managing,
you educate athletes, family, coaches, and school staff.

circle of concussion management: education, recognition, diagnosis, management

Managing
Risk
Stages



Select each tab below for more information.

Licensed Health Care Professional Education

Educate yourself to remain current on best practices as well as research advances that will deepen your understanding of mTBI. Use resources such as:
doctor searching on computer
Courtesy ThinkStock: Ron Chapple Stock
young hockey player sitting on bench
Courtesy ThinkStock: Ryan McVay

Recognition

. . . by the licensed health care professional and anyone who works with students in activities that may pose a risk of concussion.

Whether you are the primary licensed health care professional or part of a team, commit to removing and referring injured athletes. "When in doubt, sit ’em out," as the CDC advises. Provide a reality check for all regarding long-term consequences. Make the case that:
  • Playing with a concussion increases physical risk and risk for long-term consequences.

  • Playing injured reduces odds of success for the team because the player is not up to his or her usual form.

  • Participating while not up to par may actually hurt scholarship chances because the athlete is not playing to his or her potential.

Diagnosis

. . . by the licensed health care professional.

Assess and apply the information and techniques discussed in Module 4 of this course. Make a clinical decision based on:
  • Physical examination.

  • Clinical history.

  • Symptoms and signs.

  • Neurologic examination (including vision and balance).

  • Cognitive assessment.
 doctor talking to mother and young girl
Courtesy ThinkStock: gpointstudio
2 doctors looking at report
Courtesy ThinkStock: Branislav Ostojic

Management

. . . by the licensed health care professional and anyone who works with the injured child.

Lead a team effort to understand and track the recovery process:
  • Carry out comprehensive, multifaceted oversight, with members of the team monitoring symptoms across areas that can be impacted, utilizing the available resources.

  • Note that this is an intensive, complex process. A licensed health care professional cannot simply hand the injured athlete a checklist and say, "See you in 10 days."

  • Be aware, and make the team aware that if the patient is compliant, progression tends to be positive. A patient does not get worse unless there is additional injury, or unless the patient is pushing too far too soon.

Ongoing Team Education

. . . for the management professionals, parents, and injured.

Educate the patient and those around him or her regarding risk avoidance, symptom reoccurrence, and any issues that may affect the patient’s recovery. Use resources such as:
doctor talking to parents
Courtesy ThinkStock: Jupiterimages


Module 5 Management
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