Date of Award
Spring 2024
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Joy Karges-Brown
Second Advisor
Dr. Whitney Lucas-Molitor
Third Advisor
Halle Owecke
Keywords
Concussion, Protocol, Symptoms, Treatment, Past, Present
Subject Categories
Medicine and Health Sciences | Sports Sciences
Abstract
Concussions have a significant impact on teenagers and young adults. Most concussions occur when participating in sports. Therefore, the focus is on high school and college athletes for this review. Over the years many new concussion studies and protocols have been implemented and removed. Concussions are head injuries, where the person has suffered trauma causing the brain to shift and receive damage. This typically impacts brain tissue and a variety of symptoms results. Concussions were traditionally not considered with the same severity as broken bones or bloody wounds. Head injuries can have extreme effects on the body and daily living without evident bruising or cuts. Some symptoms are obvious, with loss of consciousness, seizures, brain bleeds, skull fractures, and others. Players used to be sent right back on the field or told to take time off school and not participate in any physical or mental activities; now there are more protocols for rest while participating in classes. By reviewing the basics of concussions, past concussion protocols, and current treatment plans, there is hope to gain a better picture of available and future research to improve care for players who sustain concussions both immediately and in the long term.
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Renee M., "A Review of the Progression of Concussion Protocols used over time in High School and College Athletics" (2024). Honors Thesis. 319.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/319