http://cdc.gov/concussioninyouthsports
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Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports PDF

 

The Facts: A concussion is a brain injury All concussions are serious Concussions can occur without loss of consciousness Concussions can occur in any sport Recognition and proper management of concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death

 

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?

A concussion is an injury that changes how the cells in the brain normally work.  It is caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull.  It is the immediate and transient alteration of neurological function in the brain caused by mechanical acceleration and deceleration forces.

 

A concussion should be suspected if any one or more of the following signs or symptoms are present OR if the coach is unsure:

	Signs of a concussion may include (what the athlete looks like):
Confusion/disorientation/irritability		Act silly/combative/aggressive
Trouble resting/ getting comfortable		Repeatedly ask same questions
Lack of concentration		Dazed appearance
Slow response/drowsiness		Restless/irritable
Incoherent/slurred speech		Constant attempts to return to play
Slow/clumsy movements		Constant motion
Loss of consciousness		Disproportionate/inappropriate reactions
Amnesia/memory problems		Balance problems
	Symptoms of a concussion may include (what the athlete reports):
Headache or dizziness		Oversensitivity to sound/light/touch
Nausea or vomiting		Ringing in ears
Blurred or double vision		Feeling foggy or groggy
Can't recall events prior to hit or fall		Is unsure of game, score or opponent

 

• If you suspect that your athlete has a concussion, remove the athlete from play and seek medical attention.  Keep the athlete out of play the day of injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says she/he is symptom-free and it's OK to return to play.
• Rest is key to helping an athlete recover from a concussion.  Exercising or activities that involve a lot of concentration, such as studying, working on the computer and playing video games, may cause concussion symptoms to reappear or get worse.  Returning to sports or school is a gradual process that should be carefully managed and monitored by a health care professional.
• Concussions affect people differently.  While most athletes with a concussion recover quickly and fully, some will have symptoms that last for days or even weeks.  A more serious concussion can last for a month or longer.

 

CONTINUING TO ENGAGE IN YOUTH ATHLETIC ACTIVITY AFTER SUSTAINING A CONCUSSION

Most athletes with a concussion get better and return to sports, but it is important to rest and give your brain time to heal.   A repeat concussion that occurs while your brain is still healing can cause long-term problems that may change your life forever.  In rare cases, repeat concussions can result in brain swelling, permanent brain damage and even death.

 

RETURN TO ATHLETIC PLAY AFTER RECEIVING A CONCUSSION

Any athlete who shows signs, symptoms and / or behaviors consistent with a concussion from activity or competition in which they were participating shall be immediately removed, referred to their parent/guardian for referral to a licensed health care professional for assessment and shall not be permitted to participate in the activity or competition on that day.  The return to play procedure for athletes who have had a concussion will be:

• The athlete must be evaluated by a licensed health care professional educated in concussion management
• The athlete must receive written clearance from the health care professional for a full return to play