Doctor explains the NFL concussion protocol | How does it work?
Concussions remain one of the most closely monitored injuries in the NFL, but what actually happens when a player is suspected of suffering one?
The NFL has a detailed concussion protocol designed to identify potential head injuries, remove players from competition when necessary, evaluate them, and determine when — or if — they can safely return to football activities.
Dr. Jesse Morse of Injury Expertz breaks down the NFL concussion protocol and explains what happens from the moment a player suffers a potentially significant head impact.
When Does a Player Enter the Concussion Protocol?
A player can be placed into the concussion protocol when he displays or reports signs or symptoms suggestive of a concussion.
The protocol can also be initiated by members of the medical staff, an NFL game official, coach, teammate, or the independent neurotrauma consultants who monitor games.
Once the protocol is initiated, the player is removed from play and evaluated by the medical team.
This is an important part of the process.
A player doesn’t have to lose consciousness for a concussion to be suspected.
The Initial Evaluation
The first priority is determining whether the player has suffered a potentially serious neurological injury.
Medical personnel evaluate the player for signs and symptoms associated with concussion and other head, neck and spine injuries.
Certain findings are considered “No-Go” criteria, meaning the player cannot return to the game.
These include signs such as an impact seizure or fencing response. Players demonstrating neurologically caused abnormalities in balance, stability, motor coordination or speech can also be designated as unable to return to play.
A Player Cannot Simply “Pass” a Test and Return
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the NFL concussion protocol is that a player can simply pass a test and immediately return to the game.
That’s not how the process works.
If a player is diagnosed with a concussion, he must go through a graduated Return-to-Participation Protocol.
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