Concussion Rehabilitation and Second Impact Syndrome Prevention: A Literature Review
Poster Number
05
College
College of Education
Department
Physical Education, Sport & Human Performance
Faculty Mentor
David Schary, Ph.D.
Abstract
The brain is the most important organ in our bodies, yet it is the most misunderstood. In every contact sport and many non-contact sports, one of the most serious injuries an athlete can sustain is a minor/moderate traumatic brain injury, better known as a concussion. The amount of force the brain might undergo during play is often unacknowledged. While every concussion is unique to itself, the fact remains that proper concussion care is vital to the full recovery of our athletes. Proper rehabilitation and testing protocol is the key to preventing further complications from concussions. If a concussed athlete returns to play without being evaluated, or returns to play too soon after the initial injury, the risk of repeated concussion, or Second Impact Syndrome, vastly increases. Second Impact Syndrome occurs when a concussed athlete sustains a second blow to the head, causing severe swelling, cerebral edema, and often death. Proper rehabilitation can ultimately save an athlete from permanent brain damage, long-term complications, or loss of life. Although treatment plans may differ, a concussed player should be symptom-free and pass concussion testing before returning to play. This literature review will emphasize the proper rehabilitation of minors to prevent Second Impact Syndrome.
Course Assignment
PESH 381 – Schary
Start Date
21-4-2017 12:00 PM
Concussion Rehabilitation and Second Impact Syndrome Prevention: A Literature Review
Rutledge
The brain is the most important organ in our bodies, yet it is the most misunderstood. In every contact sport and many non-contact sports, one of the most serious injuries an athlete can sustain is a minor/moderate traumatic brain injury, better known as a concussion. The amount of force the brain might undergo during play is often unacknowledged. While every concussion is unique to itself, the fact remains that proper concussion care is vital to the full recovery of our athletes. Proper rehabilitation and testing protocol is the key to preventing further complications from concussions. If a concussed athlete returns to play without being evaluated, or returns to play too soon after the initial injury, the risk of repeated concussion, or Second Impact Syndrome, vastly increases. Second Impact Syndrome occurs when a concussed athlete sustains a second blow to the head, causing severe swelling, cerebral edema, and often death. Proper rehabilitation can ultimately save an athlete from permanent brain damage, long-term complications, or loss of life. Although treatment plans may differ, a concussed player should be symptom-free and pass concussion testing before returning to play. This literature review will emphasize the proper rehabilitation of minors to prevent Second Impact Syndrome.
