STEP 2: Concussion Live Course - October 21-22, 2025, in Salt Lake City, UT-Case Discussion: On the Field Assessments

Pdf Summary

This document presents a concussion case scenario managed by Daniel C. Herman, MD, PhD, an expert in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at UC Davis. The case involves a basketball player who suffered a head injury during an undercut dunk, observed by an athletic trainer (AT) who approaches the player showing signs of grimacing and eye blinking.<br /><br />Initial management emphasizes stabilizing the head and neck to prevent further injury. Key considerations include visibility and positioning, adherence to the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols. Witnessed injury signs such as an unprotected fall, high-risk mechanism, lying motionless, or blank/confused look raise concern for concussion.<br /><br />Following stabilization, the AT assesses airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC’s) and uses AVPU (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive) to determine consciousness level. The player reports a brief blackout and headache, prompting removal to the sideline for secondary evaluation. Importance is placed on identifying red flags and monitoring for deterioration or distraction signs during background questioning.<br /><br />The player’s history includes Sports-Related Concussion (SCN) and ADHD but denies current symptoms. Objective tests like baseline data, modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS), gait assessment, and other concussion evaluation tools guide decisions. Attention is given to balancing symptom denial with observed balance and cognitive function results.<br /><br />Overall, the case illustrates critical steps in concussion recognition, initial stabilization, assessment, communication, and use of standardized tools to manage sports-related concussion safely. It highlights teamwork among medical personnel and the need for vigilance given pre-existing conditions that may affect symptom reporting.

Asset Subtitle

Daniel C. Herman, MD PhD

Keywords

concussion

sports medicine

head injury

basketball

athletic trainer

Emergency Action Plan

AVPU scale

balance assessment

Sports-Related Concussion

ADHD