Concussion Flashcards
Describe the basic pathophysiology of concussion
- Abnormal exchange of sodium and potassium
- Excessive production of glutamate
- Interferes with the cells communication
- Results in Axonal Dysfunction or Axonal Death
What is the potential reason for cognitive defects for 7-10 days after concussion?
- To restore cerebral homeostasis, the membrane ionic pumps work at an accelerated rate
- This requires extra ATP and Glucose
- Increased metabolic demand often not met with enough blood flow to support it
What are signs and symptoms of post concussive syndrome?
- Headache
- “In a fog”
- Emotional changes
- Amnesia
- Behavioral changes
- Sleep disorders (sleeping more or less than normal)
- Altered cognition
- Diminished reaction time
- Dizziness or gait alteration
What are additional Long Term Symptoms of Post Concussive Syndrome?
- Dementia
- Parkinsonism
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
The severity of Traumatic Brain Injuries is directly related to what?
- Amount of force produced by the collision
- Ability of anatomical structures to absorb the energy
- Ability of the protective equipment to dissipate and absorb the energy produced
What type of weight training program should all athletes perform to prevent concussion?
- Cervical Strengthening
What percent of acute concussions go unreported?
- 50%
What is the primary concern with an athlete who has been recently concussed?
- Airway, Breathing, Circulation
- If athlete responding to verbal questioning, not a concern
How do you treat the unconscious athlete in regards to cervical spine?
- Manage as though unstable spine is present
- Log roll if necessary to preserve airway
- Face mask removed
- Transfer to spine board
- Do not remove helmet on field unless it prevents stabilization of the spine or face mask cant be removed in reasonable amount of time
What is the first part of the exam for a conscious athlete who received a concussion?
- Eye to Eye contact
How do you manage the conscious athlete with a concussion on the field who complains with neck pain, spasm or has deformity?
- Remain on the field in a supine position
- Face mask should be removed
- Athlete managed as though an unstable cervical spine is present
If no indications of unstable C Spine are present, what is initial management of concussion on the field?
- Assist to sitting
- While palpating c spine, AROM is assessed in all directions while equipment still on
- If athlete complains of C Spine symptoms or has “bony block”, return to supine, treat as unstable
- If not, Assist to standing and walk off the field
What is the initial sideline evaluation of the conscious athlete with concussion?
- MOI Description
- C Spine ROM and palpation performed again
- If not painful, remove helmet
- If pain during helmet removal, return helmet to head, treat as unstable
- Perform MMT and Myotome testing
Describe the Myotomes/ Myotomal testing done on the sidelines.
- C4 - Shoulder elevation
- C5 - Shoulder abduction
- C6 - Elbow flexion
- C7 - Elbow extension
- C8 - Grip and thumb extension
- T1- Dorsal and palmar interossei
Describe Cranial Nerves tested on the sidelines
- CN II - Optic, Vision
- CN III - Occulomotor – eye movement medial/ lateral/superior/inferior
- CNIV - Trochlear – eye movement diagonal
- CN VII - Facial – control of the musculature of the face
