The new protocol combines a symptom checklist, a limited neurological examination including a cognitive evaluation and a balance assessment. The protocol was developed by the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee with input from other medical experts.
The committee conducted a survey of NFL team medical staff last year to evaluate the tests being performed during the pre-season and post-concussion. Many of the teams reported using a combination of symptoms assessment, balance testing and cognitive evaluations. The new standardized protocol is based on the Sideline Concussion Assessment Tool II developed by the Concussion in Sport group in Zurich, Germany, in 2008.
Read the NFL News release about the concussion protocol.
Read other coverage on concussions:
– Concussion Management: The 3-Pronged Approach
– 10 Stories for Team Physicians About concussion Awareness
– Elon University Receives $17K Grant for Collegiate Concussion Research
