Concussion Summary

Recognise and Remove - Any player suspected of having a concussion should be removed from play and assessed by a suitably qualified healthcare provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussion. The SCAT6 should be used to support the assessment.

In professional Rugby Union a temporary substitution for 12 minutes allows for an off-field evaluation where the diagnosis is not clear.

There is no single diagnostic test that clinicians can rely on for the diagnosis of concussion in the sporting environment. The diagnosis of concussion is a clinical assessment supported by the clinical assessment of a range of domains including symptoms, cognition and balance.

There is no “same day” return to play for a player diagnosed with concussion.

Players with confirmed concussion need appropriate discharge home, to remain onsite until the end of the game or transfer to an appropriate emergency facility.

The mainstay of treatment is relative cognitive and physical rest until symptoms have resolved, and then an individualised rehabilitation of graded programme of exertion prior to full return to sport.