The project
The aim of the project is to raise awareness and understanding of concussion and to ensure best practice management of concussion injuries thought all levels of sport and recreation in Western Australia.
Partnership
The Concussion in Sport Education Project, is managed by Sports Medicine Australia WA (SMAWA) in partnership
with the department.
Concussion in Sport Project
SMAWA received a $35,000 grant from the State Government for the Concussion in Sport Project, to create educational resources such as change-room posters, a pocket concussion recognition tool, policy guidelines and information
for players, parents, coaches and sports administrators.
With the right education and risk management programs in place, the issue of concussion should not become a barrier to participation or an active lifestyle.
5 Rs of Concussion
By educating the industry about the 5 Rs of Concussion we can ensure that the health and well-being of
players of all ages and all levels remains the number one priority.
These include:
- recognise
- removal
- referral
- rest
- return to play.
Management of children
A child’s brain is different and therefore requires a different management approach. Below the age
of 13, children report signs and symptoms differently and therefore require age-appropriate questions which may require parent input and possibly teacher input. A Child SCAT 3 has been developed for use by medical professionals
to assess concussion for athletes aged 5 to 12 years.
Parents whose child receives a concussion need to monitor the child for 24 hours after the injury. If they notice any change in behaviour, vomiting, dizziness, worsening headache, double vision or excessive drowsiness they should
immediately take their child to hospital. It is also recommended that the child avoids any computer, Internet or electronic gaming activity as this may make the symptoms worse.
What is concussion?
Concussion is a brain injury caused by either a direct or indirect blow to the head, face, neck or body causing an impulsive force transmitted to the head.
It usually results in short-lived impairment of neurological functions that typically resolve instantly. However, in severe cases signs and symptoms may evolve over a number of minutes or hours.
The effect that a concussion has on the athlete can vary from person to person, depending on which part of the brain is affected. It can cause visible signs to those who witnessed the collision, including loss of consciousness.
When to suspect concussion
- unresponsiveness
- a fit or seizure on contact with surface
- upper limb muscle rigidity or spontaneous movement
- balance difficulty
- slow responses or slurring of speech
- vacant stare
- confusion or Disorientation
- holding the head
- facial injury.
Concussion symptoms
- headache or nausea/vomiting
- blurred vision
- memory loss/difficulty
- dizziness
- tiredness
- not feeling right
- sensitive to bright light and loud noise.