This is taken from an article in The Athletic that explained what the NBA’s concussion protocol is. It was written in the context of whether Anthony Davis would be available following a head injury. I thought it would be interesting in light of how long Grant is taking to return to playing: Concussion evaluation: A player will be removed from participation by either a team physician or athletic trainer and undergo evaluation in a “quiet, distraction-free environment” if that player is suspected to have a concussion, or is exhibiting concussion signs or symptoms. Additionally, before a player is able to return to game participation, “the evaluating physician (or athletic trainer) is required to review video” for assessment. Serial evaluation and monitoring: If a player is not diagnosed with a concussion after evaluation, the team’s medical staff will continue to monitor that player and he will undergo at least another concussion evaluation prior to the team’s next game or practice, or approximately 24 hours after the initial evaluation, whichever is first. If that player develops any subsequent concussion signs or symptoms, he will immediately be removed from participating and undergo another concussion evaluation. Prohibition from participation: If a player is diagnosed with a concussion, he cannot return to participating for at least 48 hours, including the date of diagnosis, and until after he completes the required return-to-participation process (outlined below). Limiting exertion and promoting recovery: A player with a concussion should limit his physical and cognitive exertion under the direction of his team’s medical staff. The player can become gradually and progressively more active after a brief period of rest (24-48 hours) following the injury and under the team physician’s direction, “so long as the activity level does not bring on or worsen the player’s symptoms.” The policy also states that a player with a concussion should “should consider limiting his use of electronic games and devices, be educated by a member of the team’s medical staff about the need for appropriate sleep, nutrition, and hydration, and limit his exposure to large groups of people until he is cleared by a member of the team’s medical staff to do so,” including forgoing post-game and media activities. Coordinated care:Regardless of diagnosis, a physician must ultimately confirm whether a player suffered a concussion and be involved in a management plan. A team medical staff member must inform the director of the NBA concussion program that an evaluation was performed and the result of the evaluation within 24 hours of the injury. What’s the NBA’s return-to-participation process after a concussion? The process for returning to participation after a player is diagnosed with a concussion includes a series of requirements, outlined in the same policy summary for 2022-23. The guidance states that a player with a concussion may not begin the return-to-participation exertion process until 24 hours after the injury. Davis wouldn’t be able to return until meeting the following requirements: Be without concussion-related symptoms at rest Evaluated by a physician with training and experience in concussion management Completed the NBA’s return-to-participation exertion process, which includes frequent examination and a series of increased exertion exercises — “from a stationary bike, to jogging, to agility work, to non-contact team drills” The director of the NBA’s concussion program discussed the return-to-participation process and decision with a team physician, with the final decision ultimately made by the physician. The NBA’s concussion policy notes that “there is no timeframe to complete the process” and “each injury and player is different and recovery time can vary in each case.” According to the Mayo Clinic, most symptoms resolve in a few days, but they can sometimes persist for weeks or longer. Most people typically fully recover after a concussion, but the signs and symptoms can be subtle and might not immediately show up, per the Mayo Clinic.
Grant may be suffering from whiplash as well. Even though they are very different, the cause of a concussion and whiplash are very similar. The same jerking movement in an accident could cause both tendons to tear and your brain to collide with the nearby skull. In fact, it is extremely common to have both whiplash and a concussion. While concussions are common, they should be considered a brain injury and therefore taken seriously. Signs may appear immediately or not become apparent for hours after the crash occurs. There may be physical symptoms of whiplash such as a headache, but the major signs to watch out for are cognitive. Confusion, memory problems, sluggishness, uncharacteristic clumsiness, and mood changes can all indicate a concussion. You may also find yourself unable to answer questions. The symptoms of whiplash may appear immediately but can take hours or days to begin after an accident. Indicators of whiplash include headaches at the base of the skull, tenderness in the head and neck, stiffness or loss of range of motion, or pain when moving. If you suspect whiplash, you should seek medical attention immediately to ensure no severe injuries have occurred. In the meantime, pain can be managed with ice and rest.
Grant's an awesome player. No hurry to get back. All the young ballers are getting lots of reps. They'll be more exciting Jerami action pretty soon, but make sure that noggin' is screwed on 100%. Concussions are not to be toyed with, especially in a pro sport playing against giant men on a hardwood floor.
