Definition: When a direct or indirect blow to the head or body causes the brain to impact against the skull and sustain trauma.

• An athlete does not necessarily have to receive a direct blow or lose consciousness for a concussion to occur. It is important that a concussion is noticed as soon as possible, and the athlete is removed from play and monitored to prevent further concussions and complications.

Symptom Notes:

Recovery

• After a concussion is received, the athlete should be asymptomatic before returning to full play
• If symptoms return, they must digress to the former stage until asymptomatic (*In our program under Jodi’s direction, if symptoms return, the athlete goes back to stage one until asymptomatic.)
• It is generally advised that the athlete spend a week in each phase

Things to avoid:

Second impact syndrome:

• A concussion that occurs before the first concussion is completely healed
• Second impact syndrome can cause: Swelling of the brain, brain damage, coma, respiratory failure, and death.

The SCAT 5 is a standardized tool to evaluate athletes with concussions. This test can be used for on or off the field evaluations. When doing on-field testing, the athlete should sit out for about 10 minutes before being tested.

CATT Concussion Pathway