A Standardized Concussion Management Protocol for Concordia College
Abstract
Sports-related concussion remains a diagnostic and management challenge for health care
professionals. Numerous symptom scales and sideline assessment tools are available for
team physicians and athletic trainers to objectively assess this difficult injury. Significant
contributions of evidence-based research have led to a better understanding of this
multifaceted but still often elusive injury. This information has transformed all aspects of
concussion management, from on-field evaluation through return-to-play guidelines. A
variety of approaches are currently available for the multi-dimensional management of
sport-related concussion. Standardized protocols have been advocated by numerous
consensus groups for the provision of uniform care and follow-up procedures for all
concussive. The purpose of this paper was to review the literature of concussions, clarify
why there is a need for a standardized concussion management protocol, and to develop a
specific concussion protocol to be used by athletic trainers and athletic training students at
Concordia College.