GAA Concussion Management Guidlines - 2015-11-18 02:20:00
Key Points on Concussion - Concussion is a brain injury that needs to be taken seriously to protect the long term welfare of our players.
WELFARE OF ALL PLAYERS
Any player suspected of having sustained a concussion, should be removed immediately from the field and should not return to play on the same day. - Where a Team Doctor is present, he must advise the person in charge of the team (i.e. Team Manager) in this regard and the player must not be
allowed to continue his participation in the game. - Concussion is an evolving injury. It is important to monitor the player after the injury for progressive deterioration. - Concussion diagnosis is a clinical judgement â if in any doubt consult a doctor. - Players suspected of having a concussion, must have
adequate rest of at least 24 hours and then must follow a gradual return to play protocol. - Players must receive medical clearance (by a doctor) before returning to play.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Contrary to popular belief, most concussion injuries occur without a loss of consciousness and so it is important to recognise the other signs and symptoms of concussion. Symptoms include:
⢠Headache
⢠Confusion
⢠Nausea
⢠Balance problems or dizziness
⢠Double/blurry vision
⢠Sensitivity to light
⢠Feeling sluggish, hazy or groggy
⢠Just not âfeeling rightâ
⢠Concentration/memory problems
⢠Pressure in hand
RETURN TO PLAY
A player with a diagnosed concussion should never be allowed to return to play on the day of injury. - Return to play must follow a medically supervised stepwise approach and a player should never return to play while symptomatic.
Action Plan - Recognise the signs and symptoms
- Report if suspicious, donât hide it
- Rehab with rest and medical guidance
- Return after following Return To Play Protocol and getting medical clearance
RESOURCES
The Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee of the GAA in conjunction with Ms. Ruth Whelan (Physiotherapy Manager, UPMC Beacon Hospital) have devised concussion management guidelines based on the findings from the 4th International Conference in Concussion in Sport. See here
For further information and resources see here
WELFARE OF ALL PLAYERS
Any player suspected of having sustained a concussion, should be removed immediately from the field and should not return to play on the same day. - Where a Team Doctor is present, he must advise the person in charge of the team (i.e. Team Manager) in this regard and the player must not be
allowed to continue his participation in the game. - Concussion is an evolving injury. It is important to monitor the player after the injury for progressive deterioration. - Concussion diagnosis is a clinical judgement â if in any doubt consult a doctor. - Players suspected of having a concussion, must have
adequate rest of at least 24 hours and then must follow a gradual return to play protocol. - Players must receive medical clearance (by a doctor) before returning to play.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Contrary to popular belief, most concussion injuries occur without a loss of consciousness and so it is important to recognise the other signs and symptoms of concussion. Symptoms include:
⢠Headache
⢠Confusion
⢠Nausea
⢠Balance problems or dizziness
⢠Double/blurry vision
⢠Sensitivity to light
⢠Feeling sluggish, hazy or groggy
⢠Just not âfeeling rightâ
⢠Concentration/memory problems
⢠Pressure in hand
RETURN TO PLAY
A player with a diagnosed concussion should never be allowed to return to play on the day of injury. - Return to play must follow a medically supervised stepwise approach and a player should never return to play while symptomatic.
Action Plan - Recognise the signs and symptoms
- Report if suspicious, donât hide it
- Rehab with rest and medical guidance
- Return after following Return To Play Protocol and getting medical clearance
RESOURCES
The Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee of the GAA in conjunction with Ms. Ruth Whelan (Physiotherapy Manager, UPMC Beacon Hospital) have devised concussion management guidelines based on the findings from the 4th International Conference in Concussion in Sport. See here
For further information and resources see here
