Concussion Guidance for 2024
By Stephanie Adams, Oct 28th 2024
On Oct 23rd 2024, the third iteration of the Scottish Sports Concussion Guidance was released for athletes, coaches, parents, and officials across all grassroots sports.
The guidance provides information on how to recognise sports concussions to ensure that anyone suffering from a suspected concussion is immediately removed from play.
What's New?
Some key changes include:
The guidance is now the same for all ages, although children/adolescents may take longer to progress through the programme.
Participating in light physical activity is beneficial and has been shown to have a positive effect on recovery after the initial 24-48 hours period of relative rest.
All concussions should be managed individually, but there should be no return to competition before 21 days from injury.
Anyone with symptoms after 28 days should seek medical advice from their GP (which may in turn require specialist referral and review).
Some studies show that female athletes may be more susceptible to concussion and may take longer to recover from concussion which should also be considered.
What To Do
Review the new guidance here and share it across your network.
Remember:
Anyone suspected of having a concussion should be immediately removed from play. No one should return to competition, training, or Physical Education (PE) within 24 hours of a suspected concussion.
All those suspected of sustaining a concussion should be assessed by an appropriate onsite healthcare professional or by accessing NHS24 (dial 111) within 24 hours of the injury. However, those showing "red flags" should receive urgent medical assessment onsite or at A&E using ambulance transfer by calling 999 if necessary.
Minimise smartphone, screen and computer use for at least the first 48 hours. Limiting screentime has been shown to improve recovery.
After the 24-48 hour relative rest period, following a staged return to activity (education/work) and sport (GRAS) programme at a rate that does not exacerbate existing symptoms, more than mildly, or produce new symptoms is the cornerstone of concussion rehabilitation.
Anyone with concussion or suspected concussion should avoid alcohol until free of all concussion symptoms and should not drive a motor vehicle or bicycle within the first 24 hours.
Concussion recovery time varies. Children and adolescents may take longer to recover than adults, and female athletes may take longer to recover than male athletes.
Conclusion
Concussions are a brain injury. You only get one brain. It is important to take steps to protect athletes from potential short and long-term effects. The 2024 Scottish Sports Concussion Guidance provides clear and updated information on how to recognise and manage concussions.
#IfInDoubtSitThemOut