Who can diagnose a concussion, and what paperwork do we get?

The medical assessment decides whether an athlete has a concussion. In Canada, the licensed healthcare professionals whose scope of practice matches the guideline's requirements are medical doctors and nurse practitioners. In rural, remote or northern regions with limited access to them, a nurse with pre-arranged access to a medical doctor or nurse practitioner can facilitate this role.

Provincial differences the guideline notes: in Manitoba, physician assistants can diagnose concussion; in Quebec, nurse practitioners cannot diagnose concussion.

The assessment must rule out more serious brain and spine injuries and other conditions with concussion-like symptoms.

You will be given a Medical Assessment Letter:

• If no concussion is diagnosed, the letter says so and the athlete can return to school, work and sport without restriction.
• If a concussion is diagnosed, the letter says so and the athlete must follow a gradual return to school, work and sport.

The letter contains personal health information, so it is the athlete's or parent/legal guardian's responsibility to give it to the athlete's coaches, teachers or employers.

Source: Parachute, Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport, 2nd edition: https://parachute.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Concussion-Guideline-2024.pdf