Guidance summarizing the Prague 2004 consensus (Nov 2004) on management of concussion in sport as used by the CNY Sports Concussion Center. States immediate actions when concussion is suspected: no return to play that day, continuous monitoring for a few hours, medical evaluation, and a medically supervised stepwise return-to-play. Emphasizes rest until symptom resolution and graded exertion before return. Defines 'simple' concussion (loss of consciousness <1 minute; symptoms resolve within 7–10 days; no further intervention beyond rest and activity limitation) and 'complex' concussion (prolonged loss of consciousness, symptoms or cognitive impairment >7–10 days, or history of multiple concussions) which require multidisciplinary management and consideration of formal neuropsychological testing. Notes National Federation of High School Athletic Associations guidance that athletes removed for head injury require medical clearance before return. Provides contact phone (315-464-8986) and cites McCrory et al., 2005 and Prague conference report URL.
Questions this document answers
(315) 464-8986
Prague, Czech Republic; November 2004
McCrory et al., 2005, Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, 15(2).
Loss of consciousness (if any) < 1 minute, and symptoms resolve without complication within 7–10 days.
Prolonged loss of consciousness, symptoms or cognitive impairment lasting longer than 7–10 days, or a history of multiple concussions.