Concussion Evaluation and Management Flashcards
7 cards from real CCSP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Concussion Evaluation and Management flashcards as text
Which demographic group has the LONGEST average recovery time following sports-related concussion?
Answer: Adolescent female athletes
Adolescent female athletes consistently demonstrate the longest recovery times following concussion, likely due to hormonal factors, neck strength differences, and neurological development.
What is the recommended initial management approach for an athlete with persistent dizziness and balance problems 2 weeks post-concussion?
Answer: Refer for vestibular physical therapy
Vestibular physical therapy is the evidence-based treatment for persistent dizziness and balance impairment following concussion, targeting the vestibular and oculomotor systems.
During pre-participation concussion baseline testing, which factor most significantly reduces the validity and utility of computerized neurocognitive tests?
Answer: Poor athlete effort or intentional sandbagging
Poor effort or intentional sandbagging on baseline testing undermines the validity of post-injury comparisons, as an artificially low baseline makes concussion-related decline undetectable.
An athlete with known anxiety disorder sustains a concussion. Why is this comorbidity clinically significant for concussion management?
Answer: Pre-existing anxiety is associated with prolonged recovery and symptom amplification
Pre-existing anxiety is a well-established risk modifier for prolonged concussion recovery, as psychological factors amplify somatic symptom reporting and complicate clinical decision-making.
Which finding on the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) would most strongly support a diagnosis of concussion in a sideline evaluation?
Answer: BESS total errors significantly elevated above baseline
A BESS score significantly elevated above the athlete's own baseline most strongly supports concussion diagnosis, as objective postural stability decline is a reliable concussion indicator.
A chiropractic sports physician evaluating a wrestler finds cervical spine pain and limited range of motion along with concussion symptoms post-impact. What is the MOST appropriate initial management priority?
Answer: Rule out cervical spine injury before any concussion-specific management
Cervical spine injury must be ruled out before any manipulation or concussion-specific physical examination, as spinal cord compromise takes precedence over concussion management.
Which statement best describes the current evidence on sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise in early concussion management?
Answer: Sub-threshold aerobic exercise initiated early promotes recovery and reduces prolonged symptoms
Current evidence supports initiating sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise within the first few days post-concussion, as it promotes autonomic recovery and reduces risk of prolonged symptoms.