Consensus Statement

Given that the nature of concussion is not uniformly understood among the athletic, educational and medical communities of professionals who work with youth, the Consensus Statement was developed to define concussion, discuss the features of concussion and outline the issues involved in return to play decisions.

Concussion in Sports Consensus Statement

CONCUSSION – definition and features

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), induced by mechanical forces that immediately disrupt the
normal functioning of the brain.

When playing sports, if there is any doubt that a player might have sustained a concussion, the player should be
removed from the game or practice. Never participate in physical activity if any sign or symptom of MTBI is
present.

All concussions should be evaluated by knowledgeable health professionals to measure severity, monitor progress
over time and properly manage the injury. Resolution of clinical and cognitive symptoms often occurs
spontaneously, typically following a sequential course.

The mechanical trauma that causes a concussion may be either a direct blow to the head, face, and neck or an
indirect blow elsewhere on the body that transmits an “impulsive” force to the head.

Concussion symptoms usually appear immediately, although they can present later, and affect a wide array of
mental functions. A stunned, confused state is a hallmark of MTBI. Loss of consciousness may also occur;
however, most concussions do NOT involve loss of consciousness. Memory loss, dizziness, emotional instability,
disturbances of equilibrium, vision, and cognitive functions, as well as headache, nausea and vomiting are common
symptoms.

Concussion results in immediate chemical changes within the nerve cells of the brain, which usually return to
normal over several days or weeks. Neuroimaging studies typically show grossly normal anatomic structures.
A concussion may have widely varied clinical consequences (from mild to severe); like all injuries, however, it is
imperative that the injured body part be afforded adequate time to heal. Resting the brain must not only involve
ceasing physical activity for a period of time, but also should include a break from challenging cognitive activity as
well.

Concussions are not simply “a blow to the head”; as brain injuries, concussions must always be taken seriously.
This definition has been developed by a committee of professionals as part of an on-going effort to bring together a
statewide partnership on concussion awareness and prevention in youth sports.

March 2005
Revised July 2005

Authors

Endorsers