department of athletics policies & procedures - UNC Wilmington ...

CT and MRIs have been found to be of little value in assessing less severe head
injuries, such as cerebral concussion, and contributing to the RTP decision. A CT
scan is often indicated emergently if a focal injury such as an acute subdural or
epidural bleed is suspected.
Presently no neuroanatomic or physiologic measurements can be used to
determine the severity of a concussion or when complete recovery has occurred in
an individual athlete after a concussion.
Post-Concussion Follow-up
During the period of recovery and while the student-athlete is symptomatic following
injury, the student-athlete should engage in physical and cognitive rest as much as
possible until such time that he/she is asymptomatic.
1. Perform SAC and BESS each day until self-report asymptomatic (SRA)
2. Day 1 SRA
Perform SAC and BESS
3. Day 2 SRA
Begin Exertional Testing Protocol in a controlled setting under the direction of a
Certified Athletic Trainer
Note: If the student-athlete develops any post-concussion symptoms during the Day
2 SRA Testing, the student-athlete should immediately stop all activity and rest for a
minimum of 24 hours and until asymptomatic. After the minimum 24 hour rest
period and once the student-athlete is asymptomatic, he/she should resume testing as
per the Day 2 Exertional Testing Protocol.
4. Day 3 SRA
Sports-specific, non-contact extertional functional activity
o Mode, duration, and intensity dependent upon sport
Note: If the student-athlete develops any post-concussion symptoms during the Day
3 SRA Testing, the student-athlete should immediately stop all activity and rest for a
minimum of 24 hours and until asymptomatic. After the minimum 24 hour rest
period and once the student-athlete is asymptomatic, he/she should resume testing as
per the Day 3 SRA level.
5. Day 4 SRA
Supervised “modified/limited contact” practice
o Mode, duration, and intensity dependent upon sport
Note: If the student-athlete develops any post-concussion symptoms during the Day
4 SRA Testing, the student-athlete should immediately stop all activity and rest for a
minimum of 24 hours and until asymptomatic. After the minimum 24 hour rest
period and once the student-athlete is asymptomatic, he/she should resume testing as
per the Day 4 SRA level.
6. IF the student-athlete is asymptomatic with all activity on Day 4 SRA, consult with
the Team Physician for full return to play clearance.
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