A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CONUSSION?
Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after injury.
If an athlete reports one or more symptoms of concussion listed below after a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body, she/he should be kept out of play the day of the injury and until a heath care professional, experiences in evaluating for concussion, says she/he is symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play.
Did you know?
- Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.
- Athletes who have at any point in their lives, had a concussion have an increased risk for another concussion.
- Young children and teens are more likely to get a concussion
Signs observed by coaching staff:
- Appears dazed or stunned
- Is confused about assignment or position
- Forgets an instruction
- Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
- Moves clumsily
- Answers questions slowly
- Loses curiousness (even briefly)
- Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
- Can’t recall events prior to hit of fall
- Can’t recall events after to hit of fall
Symptoms reported by athletes:
- Headache or “pressure” in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
- Concentration or memory problems
- Confusion
- Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down”
CONCUSSION DANGER SIGNS
In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in a person with a concussion and crowd the brain against the skull. An athlete should receive immediate medical attention if after a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body she/he exhibits any or the following danger signs.
- One pupil larger than the other
- Is drowsy or cannot be awakened
- A headache that not only does not diminish but gets work.
- Weakness, numbness, or decrease coordination
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Slurred speech
- Convulsions or seizures
- Cannot recognize people or places
- Becomes increasingly confused, restless, or agitated
- Has unusual behavior
- Loses consciousness (event a brief loss of consciousness)