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The Cranford Hockey Club has put together a program for a base line pre-concussion test to be performed on each player. The on-line test is in conjuction with the "Atlantic Neuroscience Institute's Concussion Center" based out of Overlook Hospital. The cost of this will be paid by the CHC. All players should take the test:
@http://www.impacttestonline.com/atlanticneuroscienceconcussioncenter/
What you should do if you think that you have a concussion?
From Cynthia Cross - Traumatic Brain Injury Coordinator, RN, MSN, CCRN, APN-C
"When the player is injured they should seek out an evaluation first before taking the ImPACT test. They can come to us or a physician that is trained in ImPACt testing and concussion management. They can come to the clinic and re-test. The APN does the History to get details of the injury and has the player re-test. Then one of the 3 docs that work in the clinic, a neurosurgeon, physiatrist, and neurologist will review the test.
Anyone can call the clinic for an appointment if needed. 908-522-6146. They see patients Mondays 9a-12n, Tuesdays 12p-4p and Fridays 12n-4p."
Atlantic Neuroscience Institute - Concussion Center Contact Information
99 Beauvoir Ave.
Summit, NJ 07901
Phone: (908) 522-6146
What is a Concussion?
- A concussion is a disturbance in brain function that occurs following either a blow to the head or as a result of the violent shaking of the head
- In the United States, the annual incidence of sports-related concussion is estimated at 300,000. Estimates regarding the likelihood of an athlete in a contact sport experiencing a concussion may be as high as 19% per season. Although the majority of athletes who experience a concussion are likely to recover, an as yet unknown number of these individuals may experience chronic cognitive and neurobehavioral difficulties related to recurrent injury.
Common Signs and Symptoms:
- Signs observed
- Appears to be dazed or stunned
- Is confused about assignment
- Forgets plays
- Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
- Moves clumsily
- Answers questions slowly
- Loses consciousness (even temporarily)
- Shows behavior or personality change
- Forgets events prior to hit (retrograde amnesia)
- Forgets events after hit (anterograde amnesia)
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- Signs reported by athlete
- Headache
- Nausea
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or fuzzy vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling sluggish
- Feeling "foggy"
- Change in sleep pattern
- Concentration or memory problems
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- The goal of treatment is to allow the brain injury to heal. Concussions are treated differently depending on their level of severity. Treatment may include:
- Rest - provide adequate time for recovery. Do not rush back into daily activities for work or school.
- Preventing re-injury - avoid activities that might jolt or jar your heard. Never return to a sports activity until your doctor has given you clearance. Ask when it's safe to drive a car, ride a bike, work or play at heights, or use heavy equipment.
- Observation by a responsible adult - ask someone to awaken you every few hours as advised by your doctor. The doctor will explain how to watch for complications such as bleeding in the brain.
- Limiting exposure to drugs - do not take medicines without your doctor's permission. This is especially true to aspirin, blood thinners, and drugs that cause drowsiness. Avoid use of alcohol or illicit drugs.
- Consult with a Credentialed ImPACT Consultant for a full recovery
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of MTBI generally fall into four categories: physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep, and may include:
| Physical |
Cognitive |
Emotional |
Sleep |
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Balance Problems
• Dizziness
• Visual Problems
• Fatigue
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Numbness/Tingling |
• Feeling mentally "foggy"
• Feeling slowed down
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty remembering |
• Irritability
• Sadness
• More emotional
• Nervousness |
• Drowsiness
• Sleeping less than usual
• Sleeping more than usual
• Trouble falling asleep |
Signs of Deteriorating Neurological Function
It is important to assess for whether the patient with a concussion exhibits any signs or reports any symptoms that would indicate deteriorating neurological functioning. Patients should be carefully observed over the first 24-48 hours for the serious signs listed below. If a patient reports any of these signs they should be referred to an emergency department for an immediate medical evaluation.
- Headaches that worsen
- Seizures
- Focal neurologic signs
- Looks very drowsy or can't be awakened
- Repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Can't recognize people or places
- Increasing confusion, unusual behavioral change, or irritability
- Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
- Neck pain
- Unusual behavior change
- Significant irritability
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