Concussion Protocol
Baseline testing
Baseline testing is a pre-season exam conducted by a trained health care professional. Baseline tests are used to assess an athlete’s balance and brain function (including learning and memory skills, ability to pay attention or concentrate, and how quickly he or she thinks and solve problems), as well as for the presence of any concussion symptoms. Results from baseline tests (or pre-injury tests) can be used and compared to a similar exam conducted by a health care professional during the season if an athlete has a suspected concussion.
If you are interested in having your player take a concussion baseline test, you may schedule your player during an open session by contacting Casie Elander at the email below.
Casie Elander Med. AT - Concussion Testing Coordinator at OhioHealth Sports Medicine
Cassandra.Elander@OhioHealth.com
Participants must be at least 10 years of age and the test results are good for two years. There is no fee for the test, but it does last approximately one hour and takes place in a group setting so it is important that athletes are on time.
Upon scheduling a time, Casie will send detailed information and the required forms. Testing is at the OhioHealth Medical building in Dublin .
concussion signs & Symptoms
Signs observed by Coaches
- Appears dazed or stunned
- Is confused about assignment or position
- Forgets sports plays
- Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
- Moves clumsily
- Answers questions slowly
- Loses consciousness (even briefly)
- Shows behavior or personality changes
- Can't recall events prior to hit or fall
- Can't recall events after hit or fall
symptoms reported by Athlete
- Headache or "pressure" in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
- Concentration or memory problems
- Confusion
- Does not "feel right"
Action Plan
If you suspect that a player has a concussion, you should take the following steps:
- Remove athlete from play
- Ensure athlete is evaluated by an appropriate health care professional. Do not try to judge the seriousness of the injury yourself.
- Inform athlete's parents or guardians about the known or possible concussion and give them the fact sheet on concussion.
- Allow athlete to return to play only with permission from an appropriate health care professional.