Diagnosing sport-related concussions is one of the most elusive tasks of sports medicine clinicians (Frommer et al., 2011). It becomes even more difficult to manage athletes who’ve sustained concussions through physical activity. The best way to address this issue of diagnosing and managing concussions is through effective communication by a number of key individuals.
Identifying the key players involved in managing athletes who’ve sustained a concussion helps to develop an effective approach to getting athletes back in competition at the right time. The key players who should be involved in the process of managing athletes with sport-related concussions are: the athletes, the coaches, the parents, the athletic trainer (or healthcare professional) and school professionals. Clear communication channels from these five key players can ultimately result in appropriate care for concussed individuals.
- The Athlete: The concussed athlete has the responsibility of being honest about the symptoms experienced from a concussion. In athletics, most athletes possess a tough attitude and rarely desire to leave competition due to injury. Athletes must be educated to effectively communicate their symptoms to the appropriate individuals for further evaluation.
- The Coach: In youth and even high school sports, a coach, at times, is the primary person held accountable for assessing athletes who possibly sustained a concussion. There are many schools and youth organizations that are not fortunate enough to have an athletic trainer. Sport coaches should be able to talk to their athletes about the seriousness of concussion and report any signs or symptoms to the appropriate officials. Coaches also should inform the parents, teachers, and head administration about the status of the concussed athlete. This can be done via phone or email.
- The Parents: Parents should look for signs of concussion in their children. The coaches and athletic trainers will not be able to be with the athlete throughout the entire day. It is up to the parents or legal guardians of the athlete to report any signs or recurring symptoms.
- The Athletic Trainer: If an athletic trainer is present, he or she is the primary caretaker of the concussed athlete. These individuals should stay current with the assessment and management of sport-related concussions based upon the most recent literature. The athletic trainer should also give instructions to the other key players.
- The School Professional: The school professional or teacher has the responsibility of providing a good environment for the concussed athlete. Many adjustments should be made for the concussed athlete as it relates to activities in the classroom.
Dr. Brandon Spradley is the Director of Continuing Education at the United States Sports Academy. He can be reached at bspradley@ussa.edu.