“The Crash Reel: Kevin Pearce” 22 year old competitive snowboarder impacted directly with concussion / traumatic brain Injury and the effect on his life
“FMD Racing, How We Roll, Episode 3, The Recovery” - Tahnee Seagrave’s story
At GESA we take the welfare of, and our responsibility to, our riders and racers seriously; this includes all matters relating to concussion.
What is Concussion?
Concussion is a traumatic brain injury, induced by biomechanical forces to the head, or anywhere on the body which transmits an impulsive force to the head. It causes short-lived neurological impairment and the symptoms may evolve over the hours or days following the injury. Evidence points towards a series of interrelated biochemical and physiological changes that impair neuronal function.
Rest followed by gradual return to activity is the main treatment.
Adelaide Concussion Clinic - What is Concussion
Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury, which causes temporary brain dysfunction without associated structural damage.
The majority of concussions are not associated with loss of consciousness.
Adelaide Concussion Clinic - Cognigram Concussion Testing tool
Computer based cognition testing program (Cognigram); predicts with more certainty and therefore safety, when a rider/player is fit to return to sport.
With current concerns regarding long term harm to the brain as a result of recurrent concussion, sensible and legally prudent to use all means available to ensure a safe and medically appropriate return to riding/play.
This program is currently used at AFL level where its benefits are well established
Contact: (08) 8232 5833
Unley Concussion Clinic
Comprehensive concussion baseline assessments for athletes of all levels, schools, workplaces, or anyone who may be at risk of a concussion and seeks to be proactive in concussion management. Assessments provide physiotherapists with a baseline measure of current function, to then allow for easy reassessment and comparison of suspected concussion.
Concussion baseline assessments take up to 20 minutes to complete and look at
Concussion and medical history
Balance (static, dynamic and dual task)
Coordination and reaction time
Visual assessment – utilizing NeuroFlex® technology
The nature of these assessments means they can be completed anywhere – whether this is at their Unley Clinic, a sports club, work place or school for convenience.
Enquire about Concussion Baseline Assessments or to book baseline assessment via email or call (08) 8373 2132
https://www.yourbrainhealth.net/your-brain-health-network
Training or Competition management
Recognising a concussion is critical to correct management and prevention of further injury.
Medical Practitioner Present
The medical practitioner at the venue should assess the injured rider
If they decide the rider is concussed:
This individual must not resume participating on the same day under any circumstances
If the rider is also an accredited coach or official, they are not to resume their coaching/officiating duties until cleared to do so.
The rider must adhere to the return to play protocols outlined in diagram 1 and 2 in section 4 below.
If the medical practitioner decides the rider is not concussed:
They can resume participating as soon as they feel ready
This individual should be monitored in case signs or symptoms of concussion develop
If the medical practitioner is present but does not witness the incident or is not involved in the immediate assessment the medical practitioner will carefully consider the reports of the immediate first aid responders including any CRT5 score/ red flag concerns.
Medical practitioners at all times are encouraged to approach head injury assessment from a conservative point of view, not only for the safety of the affected rider but also possible risk to fellow competitors of a rider resumes when is unsafe to do so.
No Medical Practitioner Present
If there is not a medical practitioner at the venue the Concussion Recognition Tool below is designed to help those without medical training detect concussion.
Any rider with a suspected concussion or with a damaged helmet (cracked or compressed) be immediately removed from training/racing and not return until assessed by a medical doctor.
A concussion must be reported to AusCycling by the club or event officials.
Managing a concussion is shared responsibility between the rider, coach, instructor, parents and medical practitioner.
A rider who has suffered a concussion should return to sport gradually.
They should increase their exercise progressively as long as they remain symptoms free following the stages outlined in diagram 1 and 2 below.
The diagnosis of concussion should be made by a medical practitioner familiar with concussion as a phenomenon in sport.
In diagnosing concussion, medical practitioners should conduct a clinical history and examination that includes a range of domains such as mechanism of injury, symptoms and signs, cognitive functioning and neurological assessment, including balance testing
Advice should be given to ALL riders under or over 18
Return to Racing, Competition, Coaching & Official Duties OVER 18 years
Return to Racing, Competition, Coaching & Official Duties UNDER 18 years
ALL RIDERS require medical clearance to attend events again
Head injury advice should be given to all riders with concussion and to their carer(s).
Any rider with suspected or confirmed concussion should remain in the company of a responsible adult and not be allowed to drive.
They should be advised to avoid alcohol and check medications with their doctor. Specifically, they should avoid aspirin, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, sleeping tablets and sedating pain medications.
Once the diagnosis of concussion has been made, immediate management is physical and cognitive rest. This may include time off school or work and relative rest from cognitive activity. Having rested for 24-48 hours after sustaining a concussion, the patient can commence a return to light intensity physical activity under medical guidance, as long as such activity does not cause a significant and sustained deterioration in symptoms. The majority of concussive symptoms should resolve in 7-10 days.
A suspected/confirmed concussed rider must obtain a medical clearance from a qualified medical doctor before returning to to any cycling activities.
It is the rider’s/parent’s responsibility to ensure that the rider is medically cleared before returning to cycling activities.
An AusCycling Incident Report must be sent to AusCycling by coach (training) or Commissaire (event) using the ‘Incident Report Form’ via email to membership@auscycling.org.au
AusCycling will record the concussion on the individuals members profile and they will be medically suspended from all activities until medical clearance is received.
Once clearance received by the rider/parent it is to be emailed to membership@auscycling.org.au
Upon receipt of the medical clearance, AusCycling will remove the suspended members medical list and the individual will be permitted to return to all activities.
Relevant Resources
https://sma.org.au/resources-advice/concussion/
https://www.concussioninsport.gov.au/home