Sports Medicine Study

Guide
(Concussions)
- A concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury, is caused by a bump, blow, or
jolt to the head that changes the way your brain works.
- There are many symptoms of a concussion, and the severity of them are
classified into three sections: 1st degree (mild), 2nd degree (moderate), and
3rd degree (severe).
- The chart lists all the symptoms of a concussion:
Symptom

Mild (1st
Degree)

Moderate (2nd
Degree)

Severe (3rd
Degree)

Loss of
Consciousness

No loss

Temporary Loss
(<1 min)

Prolonged Loss
(>1 min)

Mental Confusion

Slight

Momentary

5 min or more

Memory Loss

None

Mild Retrograde
Amnesia

Prolonged
Retrograde
Amnesia

Tinnitus*

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Dizziness

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Unsteadiness

Usually none

Moderate

Severe

General Recovery
Rate

Very rapid

Complete in 5
min

More than 5 min

Return to Play

When cleared by
doctor

When cleared by
doctor

When cleared by
doctor

*Tinnitus: ringing in the ears.

- There are some symptoms that do not fit in the chart. These symptoms
represent a more severe concussion, which is potentially life-threatening.
These include an increase in a headache, vomiting, and nausea, inequality of
pupils, disorientation, impairment of consciousness, decrease in pulse rate,
gradual rise in blood pressure, fluid leaking from the ears and/or nose,
racoon eyes, and battle signs.
- After the victim has recovered from a concussion, it is important to continue
monitoring and checking the athlete when he/she returns to play.
- As a rule, after 5 moderate concussions, an athlete should not be in the
sport (brain damage is likely after that many concussions).
- There are up to 20 signs/symptoms
- On the next page contains an anticipated study guide for the sports med
test. There are 13 blanks in the chart and 12 other questions that are written
responses. Read the directions below and answer them to the best of your
ability.
NO CHEATING!
**************************************************************************
Anticipated Concussion Test
Directions: Write your answer on the lines. You may make notes anywhere on
the page- only the blank lines will be scored. Do not use your notebook,
Edline, any study guide, websites, etc. to look up answers. To gain extra
credit, a concussion test certificate is needed and will count towards your
final grade as an extra 5 points,

TURN TO
THE

NEXT
PAGE
Good
Luck!

1-13. Fill in the chart (26 points)

Symptoms

Mild: Degree 1

Moderate:
Degree 2

Severe: Degree
3

Loss of
Consciousness

Less than 1 min

Mental Confusion

Slight

More than 5 min

Memory Loss

Mild Retrograde
Amnesia

Tinnitus

Moderate

Dizziness

Moderate

Severe

Unsteadiness

Usually None

Moderate

General Recovery Very Rapid

Rate

10

Slow (more than 5

min)

Return to Play

12

13

11

1 ___________
2 _________________
4 ___________
5 _________________
7 ___________
8 _________________
10 ___________
11 _________________
13 _________________

3 _________________
6 _________________
9 _________________
12 _________________

12. Why shouldnt the athlete immediately go back to play after a

concussion?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
13. Who has the right to speak up and say an athlete doesnt look well
enough to play?
A) Doctor
B) Coach
C) Parent/spectator
D) All the above

14. Should you let the victim sleep after a concussion? Why or why not?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________
15. List THREE that define a life-threatening concussion.
(1) _________________
(2) _________________
(3) _________________