5th International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport

The Berlin 2016 process: a summary of methodology for the 5th International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport.  The new consensus statement builds upon on the principles outlined in previous documents and to develop further conceptual understanding of the problem of concussions using a formal consensus-based approach. 

New Standards to Guide Post-concussion Care in Ontario

Right Care, Right Time, Right Provider

The Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF) has moved to fill a gap and support people in Ontario requiring post-concussion care with the release of new “Standards for Post-Concussion Care”. The document offers 15 criteria to guide interdisciplinary clinics and healthcare providers in processes used to provide care. These criteria will also help patients ask the best questions around how their care is delivered.

ONF Guidelines for Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Persistent Symptoms

ONF has developed and released the Guidelines for Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Persistent Symptoms 3rd Edition to enable health care practitioners to provide enhanced care for adults (18 years and older) who are living with the effects of the injury.

ONF Living Guidelines for Diagnosing and Managing Pediatric Concussions

The Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF) has issued the first Living Guideline for Diagnosing and Managing Pediatric Concussion. The guideline, targeted at healthcare providers, offers a series of recommendations to help children and adolescents get back to their everyday life.

This is the first ONF clinical practice guideline to be available in a fully digital version, ensuring it will be quickly available to those who can use it. Clinicians are provided with 22 tools and a broad range of recommendations in the 14 domains covered in the guideline. The new guideline replaces one originally published by ONF in 2014.

Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT)

The Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) includes toolkits providing training in the recognition, treatment and management of concussion for: 1) Medical Professionals; (2) Coaches; (3) Parent or Caregivers; (4) School Professionals; and (5) Players or Participants. 

CATT is free, accessible and regularly updated with evidence-based information and resources. Each toolkit includes a self-paced learning module as well as tailored resources relevant to the specific audience.

Sport Concussion Assessment Tool - 5th edition (SCAT5)

This paper presents the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition (SCAT5), which is the most recent revision of a sport concussion evaluation tool for use by healthcare professionals in the acute evaluation of suspected concussion. The revision of the SCAT3 (first published in 2013) culminated in the SCAT5. The revision was based on a systematic review and synthesis of current research, public input and expert panel review as part of the 5th International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Berlin in 2016. The SCAT5 is intended for use in those who are 13 years of age or older. The Child SCAT5 is a tool for those aged 5–12 years, which is discussed elsewhere.

Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool - 5th edition (child SCAT5)

The Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition (Child SCAT5) is the most recent version of this tool. The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool was introduced in 2004, following the 2nd International Conference on Concussion in Sport in Prague, Czech Republic. Following the 4th International Consensus Conference, held in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2012, the SCAT 3rd edition (Child SCAT3) was developed for children aged between 5 and12 years. Research to date was reviewed and synthesised for the 5th International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport in Berlin, Germany, leading to the current revision of the test, the Child SCAT5. This article describes the development of the Child SCAT5.

Parachute's Protocol for Return to Learn after a Concussion

This Return to Learn protocol is a visual tool that lists the graduated stages of progression when returning to learn and school following a concussion.

Divided between the home and school environment, the 4-stage Return to Learn strategy guides you through gradual increments in cognitive and physical activity and recommends activities at each stage, making it easy to understand each stage of the recovery process.

4 Characteristics of a good concussion clinic

Canadian Concussion Collaborative (CCC) released a guide to help parents and their children choose a good concussion clinic. 4 Characteristics of a Good Concussion Clinic is designed to help people who have persistent symptoms of a concussion (symptoms that are not clearly improving after a period of seven to 10 days) find a good concussion clinic. Many sport medicine clinics and concussion clinics offer concussion management and treatment. Before you choose one, be sure that care is provided by licensed health care practitioners and ask the questions described in this document.

Parachute

ThinkFirst Canada has joined with Safe Communities Canada, SMARTRISK, and Safe Kids Canada to create Parachute, a national, charitable organization dedicated to preventing injury and saving lives. Parachute’s injury prevention programming and advocacy efforts are designed to help Canadians reduce their risks of injury while enjoying long lives lived to the fullest.

The Parachute website brings together the content from the four legacy organizations, including ThinkFirst Canada.

Heads Up

Through Heads Up, the CDC has created free tools and materials for youth and high school sports coaches, parents, athletes, teachers, school nurses, and health care professionals that provide important information on preventing, recognizing, and responding to a concussion.

Brain Injury Canada

Brain Injury Canada (The Brain Injury Association of Canada) was formed in 2002 after a groundswell of advocacy and national activity by local brain injury associations, survivors and caregivers across the country.

All agreed that the movement needed a national voice and national facilitator to connect and support the movement across Canada.

Brain Injury Canada was formed with mission to “improve the quality of life for those living with a brain injury, and their caregivers.”