Concussion in Sport Australia

Concussion management flow chart – off field

(for emergency departments and medical clinics)

Athlete with
suspected concussion

History suggesting concussion:

-- Trauma -- Balance disturbance/motor
-- Loss of consciousness incoordination
-- Seizure -- Confusion, memory impairment
-- Headache -- Emotionally labile
-- Drowsiness -- Visual disturbance
-- Nausea/vomiting

YES NO

SCAT 5 SCAT 5
Neurological examination Neurological examination

Normal Abnormal Normal

Monitor and No suspicion Medical investigations Instigate return to

reassess as of intracranial if any suspicion of sport protocol
appropriate pathology or intracranial pathology or Clear instruction
spinal injury spinal injury to stop sport and
return for further
assessment, if
any symptoms
subsequently develop

Instigate return to Investigations normal Investigations abnormal

sport protocol once
symptom free
Clear instruction Specialist referral
to stop sport and
return for further
assessment if
any symptoms
subsequently develop
ASC35154