Everything you need to know about Concussion

Letter from VAFP Sports Medicine Taskforce

This PowerPoint presentation is a quick overview of some of the recent changes in concussion management and includes a few cases to illustrate these principles. 

Sport concussion Assessment Tool 2 - This is a concussion test that looks at symptoms, memory and balance/coordination. You can use this during your initial office visit work up and on subsequent visits to measure how the concussion is getting better, worse or remaining unchanged.

SCAT2 Pocket Card & Concussion in Sports Palm Card - You can use either of these tools as a sidelines or courtside test. They are designed to fit into your pocket and be administered in just a few minutes. They are designed as tools to go along with your clinical suspicion when making the decision on the sidelines.

Acute Concussion Evaluation (ACE) form - This CDC form can be used during your initial office visit. It is a great tool to review signs and symptoms but does not include any of the neurologic, cognitive or general exams you should do. Combining this form with the SCAT2 test during your first visit is a great initial consultation. You can use it on subsequent visits to assess if the symptoms are improving or not.

ACE Care Plan School Version - This CDC form serves several purposes. It has a symptom check list so the athlete can self-monitor progress. It has a school note and sports note to help you guide them back to participation. And it includes some patient education materials.

Board of Education Guidelines for Polices on Concussions in Student-Athletes - This is the official document from the Commonwealth of Virginia is the foundation that all school districts are using to guide their development of concussion management.

Additional Reading

Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport: The 3^rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Zurich, November 2008 - This is the detailed review article that updates the latest understanding of how to evaluate and manage a concussion.

Pediatric Concussion Review - This is a recent review article from the American Academy of Pediatrics on concussion management from August 2010.