Phantoms follow specific concussion protocols

By JOE CATULLO Jr.

TheNewsOutlet.org

YOUNGSTOWN

As soon as a player for the Youngstown Phantoms is diagnosed with a concussion, certain protocols kick in.

“If there is even a thought [of a concussion], we shut them down immediately. It’s something we will not play around with,” said Phantoms coach Anthony Noreen.

The Phantoms put their players through a six-day protocol, which includes Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment Cognitive Testing, or ImPACT, a widely used concussion evaluation system.

“If it’s the first concussion of the season, it’s a standard, seven-day symptom free — meaning that he can have symptoms that are minor,” said Jim Schroeder, the Phantoms’ head athletic trainer.

On the first day, the player rides a stationary bike or fast-walks for 15 to 20 minutes, with supervision for both.

The second day allows the athlete a 20-minute jog or run.

The third day involves non-contact sports drills for 30 to 45 minutes.

The player returns to practice on the fourth day, but without contact until day five. If he clears testing after the sixth day, he’s cleared to play.

If at any point during the six-day protocol the player shows symptoms, however, he regresses to the previous day’s activity level.

“If he has a headache for the first three days, his clock doesn’t start until he’s completely asymptomatic,” Schroeder said. “Then I’ll run him through a seven-day battery where the first day is absolute rest.”

When a Phantom takes a direct hit to the head, Schroeder immediately gives the player an on-ice assessment.

Then, the player fills out a symptom checklist with 22 symptoms, including headache, nausea and dizziness. A seven-point scale rating is used to describe the severity of the symptoms.

“If on any of those symptoms there’s not a zero, saying they’re reporting any type of symptom, I shut them down immediately,” Schroeder said. “They’re done for the game or practice.

“After I establish that, I go to the computerized testing. I’ll take their scores, take all of that as a case, and send it to our team physician.”

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