Education
Synchro Safety: Concussion
Management By Melissa Parratto
Concussions are not always a result of being tackled by
a big guy in pads or hitting your head on ice. Synchronized swimming has recently seen an increase in the number of athletes sustaining concussions. These concussions can be attributed to an increase in the complexity of lifts and throws and intensified power and height. Whether contact occurs with another swimmer, the surface of the water, or the pool bottom, there is no such thing as a minor concussion. Dr. Jim Miller emphasizes this point and educates USA
Synchro on the protocol for dealing with concussions. As the appointed physician to FINA and all aquatic sports, Miller has given multiple presentations to USA Synchro on concussions, including one at the 2010 USAS (United States Aquatic Sports) Convention. The presentation encourages coaches and athletes to treat
all concussions longitudinally until all symptoms are gone. Prior, during, and post concussion, coaches should be on the look out for the following symptoms: headaches, confusion, emotional irritability, loss of consciousness, amnesia, slowing of reaction times, drowsiness, and nausea. The coach should evaluate these possible symptoms on site, as well as evaluate the cervical spine and site of impact. The evaluation process can be guided by using the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2) — CLICK HERE TO READ. You can also use the more convenient pocket SCAT2: CLICK TO DOWNLOAD HERE. The SCAT2 can be applied to athletes as young as 10. It is also important not to leave the athlete by themselves or allow them to continue practice or compete on the same day the concussion is sustained.
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USASYNCHRO.ORG JULY 2011 Miller recalls seeing swimmers shake off concussion signs
in the warm up of competitions and coaches questioning pulling a concussed girl from a duet in hopes of not forfeiting the score. It is imperative that all signs of a concussion are taken seriously. The swimmers’ health must be taken into consideration above all other things. As frustrating as it may be for swimmers to sit on the side and watch their teammates compete, it is even worse to prolong the side effects of a concussion. According to Miller, 80 to 90% of concussions resolve themselves within seven to 10 days, with the recovery time being longer for those under the age of 18. In order to return to competition, the athlete must have a
written medical release form from a professional trained in concussion management. It is advised that there should be a gradual return to training and competition, in order to avoid a relapse. The factors to consider upon the swimmer’s return includes: the number of concussions, duration of symptoms, results of testing, level of fitness, and behavior of the swimmer. If a swimmer returns to the water too soon, says
Miller, long term consequences can arise. It is possible these consequences are originally overlooked because they usually begin with a sequence of small symptoms. These small symptoms can amount to loss in: memory, coordination, muscle memory, concentration, and emotional stability. Post concussive depression has also been cited as a long term consequence of mistreated concussions. Concussions are no little thing to shrug off, for athletes or
those coaching them. Swimmers can continue to learn new lifts, become stronger, and fly higher, but should be smart and safe about it by adhering to this concussion management plan.
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