A key change from previous guidelines relates to the grading of concussions. The expert panel that developed the new guidelines at the 2nd International Conference on Concussion in Sport held last fall in the Czech Republic scrapped earlier grading methods in favor of a less-complicated approach. The new approach grades concussions as “simple” or “complex” based on ultimate outcomes. Simple concussions are those that resolve within seven to 10 days. Complex concussions resolve more slowly or are characterized by additional problems over time.

The researchers stress it is not possible to predict the course a concussion will take at the time of the injury, so athletes who suffer these injuries must be closely followed until all symptoms have resolved.

The new guidelines also include an assessment tool that non-professionals can use to quickly determine whether a concussion may have occurred. The Sideline Concussion Assessment Tool, or SCAT, instructs the lay person how to identify a concussion and what steps to take to treat it.

The expert panel says to suspect a concussion if the athlete exhibits symptoms like confusion, loss of consciousness, headache or pressure in the head, dizziness, nausea, visual problems, ringing in the ears, slurred speech, or irritability or emotional distress. Players who show signs of a concussion should not be allowed to return to play or be left alone and should receive follow-up medical care.