UTPA CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT ALGORITHM

PRE-SEASON SAC PRETEST DONE TO ESTABLISH BASELINE VALUES

WHEN AN INJURY OCCURS: TRAINER DOES SIDELINE EVALUATION (GRADED SYMPTOMS CHECKLIST)

ANY LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS

NO LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS

Transport with EMS or refer to Team Physician. Student-athlete automatically held out of all sports-related activity until medically cleared. Any additional diagnostic tests or referrals as recommended by attending physician. Follow physicians recommendations for rest and care. Periodic evaluation and documentation with graded symptom checklist. Hold from all sports-related activities until all symptoms subside. Once asymptomatic, perform post-injury neurocognitive (SAC) and postural stability testing (BESS). Once post-test values return to pre-test levels, begin Functional Exertional Testing Protocol. If functional exertional testing does not produce symptoms, consider gradual return to activities while continuing to monitor for symptoms. Periodic follow-ups with physician recommended. If symptoms are worsening, refer to Team Physician

If symptoms present: pull from participation for remainder of the day Monitor symptoms: document with Graded Symptom Checklist If symptoms are improving, give S-A a head injury sheet with emergency contact info. Send home to rest with roommate to supervise. Schedule a follow-up in Training Room in morning. No automatic assumption of return to play the following day

If symptoms persist, refer back to Team Physician

If symptoms have subsided, complete Graded Symptom Checklist. Begin Return to Play Functional Exertional Testing Protocol

If exertional testing reproduces symptoms: Reevaluate or refer to MD.

If exertional testing does not reproduce symptoms Consider gradual return to activities, while continually monitoring for symptoms.