WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?

• A concussion is a brain injury which results in a temporary disruption of normal brain function. A concussion occurs when the brain is violently rocked back and forth or twisted inside the skull as a result of a blow to the head or body. An athlete does not have to lose consciousness to suffer a concussion.

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CONCUSSION FACTS.

• Concussions occur most frequently in football, but girl's lacrosse, girl's soccer, boy's lacrosse, wrestling and girl's basketball follow closely behind.

• Concussion symptoms may last from a few days to several months.

• An athlete should not return to sports while still having symptoms from a concussion as they are at risk for prolonged symptoms and further injury.

• A concussion may cause multiple symptoms. Many symptoms appear immediately after the injury while others may develop over the next several days or weeks.

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SIGNS OBSERVED BY PARENTS AND COACHES.

• Appears dazed or stunned.

• Is confused about what to do.

• Forgets plays.

• Is unsure of game, score or opppnent.

• Moves clumsily.

• Loses consciousness.

• Shows behavior or personality changes.

• Cannot recall events prior to hit.

• Cannot recall events after hit.

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SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY ATHLETE.

• Headache.

• Nausea.

• Balance problems or dizziness.

• Double or fuzzy vision.

• Feeling sluggish, foggy or groggy.

• Concentration or memory problems.

• Confusion.

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WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHILD HAS SUFFERED A CONCUSSION?

• Remove them from further play, a game or practice in or out of school.

• Contact their coach and teacher.

• Continuing to participate in physical activity after a concussion can lead to worsening concussion symptoms, increase risk for further injury and even death.

• Have a medical professional diagnose your child.

• WHEN IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT!

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WHEN CAN AN ATHLETE RETURN TO PLAY?

• No athlete should return to play or practice on the same day after suffering a concussion.

• The athlete must be evaluated by a health care professional and be cleared before returning.

• Once cleared, he/she should proceed with activity in a step-wise fashion to allow the brain to re-adjust to exertion.

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STEPS TO FOLLOW AFTER CLEARED BY MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.

• Step 1 ~ Light exercise, including walking or riding an exercise bike. No weight lifting.

• Step 2 ~ Running in the gym or on the field. No helmet or other equipment.

• Step 3 ~ Non-contact training drills in full equipment. Weight training can begin.

• Step 4 ~ Full contact practice or training.

• Step 5 ~ Game play.

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If symptoms occur at any step, the athlete should cease activity and be re-evaluated by their health care professional.

WHAT CAN I DO AS A PARENT?

• Both you and your child should learn to recognize the "Signs and Symptoms" of concussions as stated above.

• Teach your child to tell their coach and you if they experience such symptoms.

• Teach your child to tell their coach and you if they suspect a friend or teammate has a concussion.

• Ask teachers to monitor any decrease in grades or changes in behavior that could indicate a concussion.

• Report concussions to coaches and teachers to help in monitoring injured athletes.

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THE BEST TREATMENT FOR A CONCUSSION IS REST!