Horse Sense

Head Injury Study Gives Sound Guidance

Recently-published research by the American Academy of Neurology shows those athletes who suffer two consecutive concussions (loss of consciousness a.k.a. LOC or getting “knocked out”) within 48 hours run a great risk of sudden death. This is the mechanism that experts believe is behind the mystery of athletes like college football players, who are otherwise healthy, suffering a catastrophic terminal event (“sudden death”) after back-to-back concussions.

Rodeo contestants and their friends and advisors should seriously consider the guidelines below when making a decision to participate in second go-round rough stock events following a concussion (“getting knocked out”) in the first go-round. These guidelines cover three grades of concussion (A), recommendations on treatment (B), and when it is considered safe to return to competition (C). Here is the American Academy of Neurology guidelines.

1. A. Grades of Concussion.
   Grade One: Transient confusion (no LOC, with inability to focus, maintain coherence).
   Grade Two: Transient confusion (no LOC, with short-term amnesia).
   Grade Three: Any loss of consciousness (LOC), brief or prolonged.

2. B. Recommended Treatment.
   Grade One: Remove from contest, examine immediately and every 5 minutes.
   Grade Two: Remove from contest for remainder of day, examine often, see MD.
   Grade Three: Go to ER if still unconscious, have thorough neurological exam.

3. C. Safe to Return.
   Grade One: Single episode: 15 minutes or less, Multiple episodes: 1 week
   Grade Two: One week
   Grade Three: Brief LOC ("seconds"): One week Prolonged LOC ("minutes"): Two weeks Multiple grade three: One month or longer

In the case of an IGRA rough stock contestant, "remove from contest" may mean removal from rough stock riding events that could put a contestant at risk for a second episode of concussion, not necessarily "Goat Dressing" and other camp events or horse events that have a lower risk of concussion.!