Doctor Explains the NFL CONCUSSION Protocol (2021)
In this video we will discuss and review the NFL’s concussion protocol including diagnosis and return to play. In an era of head injuries, many fans constantly hear that their favourite athletes (NFL QB Patrick Mahomes concussion who is now clear to play in the Super Bowl 55) are removed from play and placed on the concussion protocol.
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The NFL protocol was developed by the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee which is composed of independent and NFL-affiliated medical professionals. It is their role to advise on concussion identification and treatment.
Each athlete has an extensive physical examination, neurological examination, and baseline concussion testing (neurocognitive testing) prior to their season. This provides us with a baseline functional score. When a player undergoes concussion testing, we will compare the results with their baseline scores and look for differences.
On game day, the official concussion checklist is a flow sheet that documents when to pull a player, what to perform on sideline testing, and when to direct the player to the locker room for further assessment.
When a player has been identified to have a hit to the head, signs and symptoms of a concussion, or concern is raised by a medical professional, they are escorted to the elusive blue sideline concussion testing tent for further evaluation. If this evaluation is concerning, then the player is escorted to the locker room for a more in depth assessment.
If a player is diagnosed with a concussion, they will be removed from play and put on the official NFL concussion protocol which documents a strict return to play. The return to play protocol can be progressed through in as little as 5 days so athletes can return for a game the following week if they are symptom free.
The return to play protocol consists of 5 phases:
Phase 1 - Symptom Limited Activity
Phase 2 - Aerobic Exercise
Phase 3 - Football Specific Exercise
Phase 4 - Club-Based Non-Contact Training Drills
Phase 5 - Full Football Activity/ Clearance.
References:
NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee
https://www.nfl.com/playerhealthandsa...
Official NFL Concussion Protocol
https://www.nfl.com/playerhealthandsa...
NFL Concussion Protocol and Return to Play Protocol
https://www.nfl.com/playerhealthandsa...
I am a resident doctor training to become a sports medicine specialist. I make videos simplifying sport injuries making them easier to understand and go over how a doctor reacts to these injuries on the sidelines. We will review the anatomy, important things to consider, and discuss return to play. I will also discuss what the injury means for the athlete and their team’s future.
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As an important disclaimer, I am not offering any medical advice on this channel and the views expressed are that of my own and not my employer. I am not involved in the personal treatment of any of these athletes and can only offer my opinions. If you have personal medical questions, please seek the care of your physician. The content I reference is under the Fair Use Guidelines. I provide both educational and transformative material to the content for my audience.
Dr. Sonam
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