After a significant concussion, rapid acceleration and rotation of the brain can temporarily disrupt normal cortical and brainstem motor control. This may produce tonic posturing or a brief concussive convulsion, an involuntary motor response occurring immediately after impact.
Immediate priorities:
• No further contact or same-day return to play
• Cervical-spine stabilization and airway/breathing assessment
• Neurological evaluation and repeated monitoring
• Emergency transport/imaging when clinically indicated
• Gradual, symptom-guided return to activity only after appropriate medical clearance
When an athlete starts posturing after contact, the game becomes secondary. Protect the athlete first and determine exactly what you’re dealing with.
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