Disclaimer: Presentation may be stopped and restarted at a later time, but make note of minute marker you left off on as it will not hold your spot. Each training includes the total time of the presentation. 

Concussion Education & Training

This training has been assigned to coaches (responsible for supervising CARA), sport performance coaches, athletic trainers, academic advisors and sport supervisors. 

The video will provide education related to the impact of concussions on a student-athletes ability to participate in the classroom and in their sport.  It will cover areas of the GVSU Concussion Safety Protocol and will highlight the personal responsibility of athletics personnel in the recognition and reporting of concussions.

TOTAL TIME: 10:21 minutes

*Please note that the Concussion Fact Sheet for Coaches and Student-Athletes has been updated by the NCAA Sport Science Institute. The images shown in the video are from the previous release of that document.  Of note, the definition of a concussion has been updated (see below) based on the most recent Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport.  The information from the previous release is still accurate but there have been a few additions which are listed below.  Please take the time to familiarize yourself with information contained in the newest addition of this release (document is linked in the Supplemental Concussion Information section below).

UPDATED CONCUSSION DEFINITION:

What is a Concussion?

The Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport, which resulted from the sixth international conference, defines sport-related concussion as follows: Sport-related concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a direct blow to the head, neck or body resulting in an impulsive force being transmitted to the brain that occurs in sports and exercise-related activities. This initiates a neurotransmitter and metabolic cascade, with possible axonal injury, blood flow change and inflammation affecting the brain. Symptoms and signs may present immediately, or evolve over minutes or hours, and commonly resolve within days, but may be prolonged.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Take time to recover.

When managed properly, most student-athletes recover fully from concussion. Exercise, under medical supervision, is a core component of concussion management.

There may be negative consequences when concussion is left untreated.

What is the Recovery Time for a Concussion?

Each athlete is different, but emerging information indicates that most athletes fully recover from concussion.

Some athletes experience persisting post-concussive symptoms, which are managed with exercise and targeted treatment.

If your symptoms persist, you may also have another treatable condition unrelated to your concussion. If you are experiencing any ongoing symptoms, please seek medical care with the team physician.

What Do I Need to Know About Repeated Head Impacts?

Research into the new concept of repeated head impacts is evolving rapidly.

Most head impacts in sport occur at low levels well below the force needed to cause a sports-related concussion.

The medical and scientific community continues to conduct research to determine if long-term exposure to head impacts may be deleterious to brain health.

While many questions remain unanswered, the NCAA Concussion Checklist recommends that efforts should be made to reduce head impact exposure in both practice and game settings.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (“CTE”)

In recent years, there has been ongoing research into CTE, and more research is needed to answer important questions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control website, research to-date suggests that CTE is associated with long-term exposure to repeated head impacts at levels that would cause injury to the brain.

According to the CDC, there is no strong scientific evidence that shows that getting one or more concussions (or other mild traumatic brain injuries) or occasional hits to the head leads to CTE. More research is needed to better understand: The causes of CTE, including the role of repeated head impacts.

Other potential risk factors for CTE, including the role of a person’s sex, genetics, medical history, and environmental and lifestyle factors.

How the CTE pathology develops, and what symptoms CTE pathology may cause.

Why some people develop CTE and others do not. You can find more information on the emerging CTE research at various sources including the CDC, NINDS and the Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport. If you are concerned or have questions, please talk to your medical doctor.

*Please also note that the name of the Disability Support Resource (DSR) office officially updated their name to the Student Accessibility Resource (SAR) office as of September, 2024.