4th International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport

Interesting Find This Morning

Dustin Fink8 Comments

NFL Screen Shot 9.17.13The title and the article is nothing new, we have known for some time that computer based neurocognitive testing is not perfect.  Some have even concluded that these type tests are not worth the time and money.  More and more I am hearing from professionals that feel that they HAVE to give this tests or others like it, even though it’s not precise enough in cases.

What is interesting to me is the website it appeared on, NFL.com, the one league that has propelled this product more than any other.

The timing of this article is also curious to me as well.  Lately I have been getting many emails regarding computer based testing and the need for it and my overall thoughts on them.  Perhaps there is a wave of skepticism regarding this tool, which is nothing new, or perhaps there have been more and more issues with these tests, now that they are being used by so many.

There is no doubt there has been an impetus upon Continue reading →

Opinion on Zurich Statement

Dustin Fink13 Comments

I think I have had enough time to digest the information in the 4th Consensus Statement; it is enough time for me to give an opinion.  WARNING: My opinion may differ than yours and you may even take umbrage with what I say.  However I am going to give my honest opinion.  To keep it as succinct as possible I will go in bullet form along with the statement itself.

In general I feel that we as the community in the “know” are muddying the waters more when it comes to concussions.  I think there are reasons for this; litigation and emotion mainly.  I still strongly feel that concussion identification and immediate assessment by trained personnel is non-complex; its simple.  Sure others may think it is hard; I think changing the oil in the car is hard and complicated – a mechanic would find that a mundane task.

Secondly, the now undeniable MASSIVE issue with concussions is not the injury itself, rather, the mismanagement of concussion; which includes but not limited to assessment, rest, rehabilitation, return to learn and return to play.  The newest consensus statement address some of this for the first time.  Now, the paper…

SECTION 1: SPORT CONCUSSION AND MANAGEMENT

  • The definition of concussion is more clear for the practitioner.
  • Starting to address the psychological aspects of concussions – about time.
  • Clearly states if no trained health care provider present that if any signs/symptoms present players must sit out.
  • Clearly states that if concussion present, no RTP same day for ANYONE!
  • Not really a fan of all the sideline assessments out there.  No where does it say its mandatory for any of these; rather they are tools at our disposal to help identify concussions.
    • Here is a novel approach people: use your training and ability to be in-tune with the athletes to make a solid clinical judgement.  Oh, wait, not every sport team has an athletic trainer available?  <–THIS IS THE PROBLEM WITH IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT.
    • The Statement also clearly makes it a point that clinical judgement is the standard of care when it comes to all of this.
  • Although currently there is not an objective measure of the injury on the brain they have opened the idea it may be coming.
  • Neuropsych testing was a good section, the take-home point here is that baselines are not part of best practices and that they should not be used as a clearance device, except in the case of a trained neuropsych using the information.
  • Loved the discussion on “rest”, really thought about it a lot since it came up in Zürich.  The term “rest” is so Continue reading →

Zurich 2012 In Writing

Dustin Fink15 Comments

If you all recall I went to Zurich in November to attend the “Concussion Conference”; mainly as an observer, but there was enough time and opportunity to impart my questions/knowledge as a practicing athletic trainer.  Here are the links to DAY 1 and DAY 2 of my live blogging.  By the way, the live blogging was WELL received and continues to provide great insight into what went on.  I hope that I am asked back for the next conference, or any other conference that wouldn’t mind my attendance.

Now the information gathered at the conference has been hashed and rehashed and now appears as the 4th Consensus Statement (tweeted previously).

As part of the initiative the Standardized Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) was looked at and changes were made to the 2nd version from 2008.  You can now find the new version by clicking SCAT3.

A new wrinkle was an assessment tool for the younger ages, the group decided on the “Child” version of the new SCAT3, that can also be found by clicking Child SCAT3.

Also included in the addendum of the Consensus Statement was a recognition pocket card, found by clicking Recognition Pocket Card.

All of the above is free and intended to be used as a resource for better concussion assessment and even early management of concussion.  Please read the Statement regarding best practices.  As always this blog is NEVER to be used to diagnose or treat a concussion.  There is a lot to be absorbed and read; one thing is for sure we as athletic trainers and concerned/educated individuals now have the most recent information at our fingertips.  I guess this blog is actually doing some good work 🙂  A side note; how about this appearing during National Athletic Trainers Month?  It might be a coincidence, but I find it serendipitous.