+ Concussion Awareness

Details

What is Concussion?

Concussion is a brain injury that needs to be taken seriously to protect the short and long-term health and welfare of all players.

 

How should Concussion or Suspected Concussion be managed?

If there are any signs leading to the suspicion of concussion, a player should be removed immediately from the field of play pending a full medical assessment (the impact itself may on occasion be considered an indicator even in the absence of any immediate symptoms).

A player suspected of sustaining/having sustained a concussion should not return to play on the same day. Subsequently a satisfactory, supervised return to play protocol must be completed, followed by medical approval, prior to return to play. 

The key message is: If In Doubt, Sit Them Out.

 

Concussion Management Guidelines for Gaelic Games:

Guideline Document can be downloaded HERE

Information Poster can be downloaded HERE

UPMC Concussion Network
 
The GAA have worked with UPMC over the past number of years, providing education and training to medical professionals involved in the GAA.  They now have appointed number of clinical leads operating in Ireland for specialist treatment for those with prolonged symptoms. A GP/Hosptial can refer players by contacting the Network via the details below. 
 
The UPMC Concussion Network is revolutionising how concussion is approached in Ireland through education and the development of pathways to viable, standardised concussion testing and treatement. The UPMC Concussion Network Care Pathway is outlined below:

If the injury occured during a GAA training or practice match, and the other terms of the GAA Injury Benefit fund are met, costs for such consulatations other than related physiotherapy treatment, can be claimed via the Injury Benefit Fund.

Contact:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: +353 (0)51376827

Websites: 

UPMC Sports Medicine: Sports Medicine | UPMC Whitfield Hospital

UPMC Concussion Network: The UPMC Concussion Network Ireland

 

ONLINE GAA CONCUSSION RESOURCES HERE

 

Concussion Awareness - Ryan Mellon, Ulster GAA