2010 Baseline Assessment Program
The 2010 season has been an active
one at CAMP. 3 new schools were
added to the baseline assessment
program. Welcome to Portsmouth RI
High School Patriots who began baseline
testing this summer after 2 student
athletes pressed school administrators
because of lingering symptoms of
concussion. An important component of
the CAMP Baseline Assessment protocol is
an accurate medical history.
"More often than not school booster
organizations have stepped-up and funded
these essential programs" according to
CAMP Program Director Michael Sefton,
Ph.D. Players with a history of concussions
are significantly more vulnerable to
receive a second or subsequent
concussion. Dr. Sefton will review
each athletes medical history in
confidence with team physician's or
trainers to identify players who may be
at risk. For example, a high
school junior is playing his third year
of varsity football. In his
freshman year he was concussed in
September. In his sophomore year
he received a second concussion nearly a
year to-the-day later. The CAMP
program worked with the players trainer
to modify his practice plan and provide
education to both he and his parents in
an effort to avoid a third concussion. At
the 2009 Sports Concussion program held
at Gillette Stadium, it was emphasized
that "it isn't the number of concussions
but the recovery from them" that makes
the determination for return to play so
difficult.
Return to Play
Guidelines
- 1st Concussion -
Return to play after 1 week symptom
free
- 2nd Concussion -
Return to play after 2 weeks
symptom free
- 3rd Concussion -
Return to play after 2-4 weeks
symptom free
History of
Concussion an Important Factor
Athletes with a history of concussion
comprise a fairly large sample of all
college and high school athletes.
It is reported that in a high school
roster of 50 football players 2-3
athletes or more will receive a concussion each
season. In one college hockey
program - men's and women's,
approximately 41 percent of athletes had
had at least one prior concussion.
In a sample of junior hockey players
(ages 17-21) 31 percent of players
reported a prior concussion.
Second and subsequent injuries
frequently heal more slowly than initial
concussions so athletes need to be aware
of different protocols for repeated head
injury.
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