APRIL Q&A:
CONCUSSION
Welcome to April's Q&A Discussion Forum! Find everything we have lined up for this month below including our feature module, the chance to talk to our anti-doping experts and test your knowledge in our expert's case study.
FEATURE MODULE
SPORT-RELATED CONCUSSION
This comprehensive module includes information on the definition and pathophysiology of concussion, and the signs and symptoms often displayed by a patient with concussion. There is a detailed section on management of sport related concussion, including clear guidelines on when a player should be removed from sport, and how to decide when they should return to the sporting arena. Predictors of clinical recovery are discussed, and the possible sequelae of repeated concussions. The return to play criteria of some of the major sports are presented.
This module is also available to take for free as part of our free trial offering, by navigating to the 'Free' tab within the menu bar.
HOW
Step One
Each month the SEM Academy team pick a topical subject and source our very best global experts, to provide you with current information and research.
IT
Step Two
During the month we invite you to use the discussion forum below to enter your questions and interact with your SEM peers.
WORKS
Step Three
The content expert will respond right here, on this page, and interact with you through out the month. Discussion only lasts for one month, so start asking!
OUR EXPERTS
Dr Sharon Stay
Dr Sharon Stay is an experienced Sport & Exercise Medicine Physician and has extensive experience working with athletes of all ages and from all sporting backgrounds. She has worked within the sports of cricket, netball and rugby union and travelled internationally with all three national sports. Sharon worked as the Wallaroos doctor for a number of years and currently works as Match Day Doctor for the Wallabies and Qld Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
Dr Martin Raftery
Dr Martin Raftery is an inaugural Fellow of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physician and is the former Chief Medical Office for World Rugby. He has been responsible for medical protocols associated with the world’s rugby union players from juniors to professionals and is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s.
CASE STUDY
"HOW WILL YOU MANAGE DANIEL'S CONCUSSION?"
You're the team doctor with an elite contact sport team. One of your leading players, Daniel, sustains a head injury during a match. Daniel is removed from play and pitch-side review is abnormal. Follow up assessments support a diagnosis of concussion. He has sustained several concussions during his sporting career.
The next game is seven days later and is an important game that will have a bearing on the competition outcome. Daniel recovers from his concussion quickly, with no symptoms or signs of concussion present at the 48-hour review. Pressure is building for a decision to clear this player to return to play within seven days. Your primary concern as the team doctor is the welfare of Daniel, but you're also aware of the importance of his input into the team's success and the critical nature of this next game.
Case written by Dr Sharon Stay and Dr Martin Raftery.
CONCUSSION RESOURCES
RESOURCE 1
Concussion in Sport Australia brings together contemporary, evidence-based information on concussion. Medical practitioner resources include Position Statements and decision flow charts.
RESOURCE 2
The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) is a standardized tool for evaluating concussions designed for use by physicians and licensed healthcare professionals.
RESOURCE 3
Recent research showed that nearly 20% of elite rugby players under-report concussive events and concussion symptoms, mainly because they do not want to miss games or training.
RESOURCE 4
Recent research has identified unique chemical small non-coding RNA signatures in the saliva of athletes diagnosed with concussion.