Following significant head injury an athlete may experience loss of consciousness, amnesia (especially for recent events), and/or focal neurologic deficits.
Immediate evaluation of patient:
(1) immediate and periodic Glasgow coma scale scorings, watching for deterioration or improvement with time
(2) administering any required first aid
Grading Severity of Concussion
Loss of Consciousness |
Post-traumatic Amnesia |
Grade of Concussion |
none |
< 30 minutes |
1 (mild) |
< 5 minutes |
>= 30 minutes but < 24 hours |
2 (moderate) |
>= 5 minutes |
>= 24 hours |
3 (severe) |
Return to Contact Sports after Concussion
Immediate response: Any player experiencing confusion, loss of consciousness or focal neurological deficit should be withdrawn from the game.
Subsequent Response Options:
A: can play if well for 1 week
B: can play if well for 2 weeks
C: off for 6 weeks; can play if well for 1 week after back
D: off for the season; can play the next year if well
E: desist from contact sports
Grade |
First Concussion |
Second Concussion |
Third Concussion |
1 |
A |
B |
C |
2 |
B |
C |
D |
3 |
C |
D |
E |
Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic, Neurology