Recently, the Concussion in Sport Group held a meeting in Berlin to outline the latest evidence and research in the world of concussion diagnosis and management. The ‘6th’ Statement summarises some developments in the way that sport has been managing SRC and areas where we need to do better.
The summary of the consensus meeting of Berlin consists of the following:
- The definition of a ‘Sports-Related Concussion’ (SRC) has been defined as: ‘a traumatic brain injury caused by a direct blow to the head, neck or body resulting in an impulsive force being transmitted to the brain that occurs in sports and exercise-related activities. This initiates a neurotransmitter and metabolic cascade, with possible axonal injury, blood flow change and inflammation affecting the brain. Symptoms and signs may present immediately or evolve within days.
- Standard scans/imaging is not a good indicator of SRC as there is rarely structural changes on imaging.
- Concussion DOES NOT have to include a loss of consciousness.
- Prevention of SRC injury can include a change to policy/rules of certain games (contact-related), certain personal protective equipment requirements and neuromuscular training strategies.
- Optimal concussion management including early recognition of the symptoms and swift removal from play followed by thorough sideline evaluation.
- Development of the SCAT6 and Child SCAT6 concussion recognition tool.
- Reaffirming that complete rest until symptoms fully resolve is NOT beneficial following diagnosis of SRC.
- Early return to physical activity and graded ‘return to learn’ is the optimal path of recovery.
Physiotherapy can play a pivotal role in the safe return of your everyday athlete to sports, work and learning. Physiotherapists are often involved in the concussion rehab process due to expert knowledge of anatomy, exercise prescription and appropriate manual therapy. Our physiotherapists have completed the Complete Concussion Management course and have experience in baseline testing, post-concussion syndrome management and have a strong network with some of the top sports physicians well versed in the SRC space.
Lastly, it is really important to realise that most patients who suffer from a SRC have never had a baseline test. This means that it is difficult for the treating practitioner to ascertain whether the patient has actually had a concussion or not. Therefore, all athletes in high-contact sports must undergo a baseline concussion test before every season.
Make an appointment for a or baseline test today.