CCSP - Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician Concussion Evaluation and Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 16-year-old soccer player is removed from a match after a head-to-head collision.
On the sideline, she reports a headache and dizziness but denies loss of consciousness.
Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate action for a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) to take?

Accepted Answer

Remove the athlete from play for the remainder of the day and advise a follow-up evaluation, regardless of symptom duration.

Answer

Perform a cervical spine adjustment to alleviate potential cervicogenic headache.

Answer

Administer the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6 (SCAT6) and determine return-to-play status based on the score.

Answer

Instruct the athlete to rest and monitor symptoms, with the possibility of returning to play if symptoms resolve within 15-20 minutes.

Question 2

Which of the following is a key feature of the graded return-to-play (RTP) protocol following a sport-related concussion?

Accepted Answer

The athlete must remain symptom-free at the current stage before advancing to the next, with each stage typically taking at least 24 hours.

Answer

Each stage of the protocol must last a minimum of 48 hours.

Answer

The athlete can progress to the next stage if they remain 80% symptom-free.

Answer

The protocol begins with light aerobic exercise to assess symptom provocation.

Question 3

A CCSP is managing a patient with persistent post-concussion syndrome (PCS) three months after the initial injury. The patient's primary complaints are chronic headaches, dizziness, and neck pain. Which chiropractic intervention is most directly supported by evidence for managing these specific symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Manual therapy and low-force adjustments directed at the upper cervical spine.

Answer

High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) adjustments to the thoracic spine.

Answer

Application of therapeutic ultrasound to the suboccipital muscles.

Answer

A generalized full-spine mobilization protocol combined with electrical stimulation.

Question 4

The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6 (SCAT6) is a standardized tool for evaluating athletes with a suspected concussion. According to its guidelines, the SCAT6 is most effective when used within what timeframe post-injury?

Accepted Answer

Within 72 hours and up to 7 days post-injury.

Answer

Within the first 10 minutes of the injury.

Answer

Within the first hour of the injury.

Answer

Anytime during the athlete's recovery period.

Question 5

A 19-year-old collegiate football player, who sustained a concussion 10 days ago, is in Stage 4 of the graduated return-to-play protocol. Which activity is appropriate for him at this stage?

Accepted Answer

Sport-specific, non-contact training drills (e.g., running plays without opposition).

Answer

Full-contact practice with the team.

Answer

Light jogging and stationary cycling for 30 minutes.

Answer

Symptom-limited daily activities and complete cognitive rest.

Question 6

Which of the following is a primary role of the CCSP within a multidisciplinary team managing a concussed athlete?

Accepted Answer

Assessing and managing associated neuromusculoskeletal injuries, particularly of the cervical spine, and collaborating on the return-to-play plan.

Answer

Prescribing medications for headache and sleep disturbances.

Answer

Making the sole and final decision on return-to-play without consulting other providers.

Answer

Exclusively focusing on cognitive rehabilitation and neuropsychological testing.