Heads Up Concussion
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a "ding," "getting your bell rung," or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be severe.
You can't see a concussion. A concussion's signs and symptoms can show up right aft the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child reports any concussion symptoms or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.
What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?
Signs observed by parents or guardians -If your child has experienced and bump or blow to the head during a game or practice, look for any of the following signs and symptoms of a concussion:
- 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 consciousness (even briefly)
- Show behavior or personality changes
- Can't recall events prior to hit or fall
- Can't recall events after hit or fall
Symptoms reported by the athlete
- Headache or "pressure" in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
- concentration or memory problems
- Confusion
- Do not "feel right."
How can you help your child prevent a concussion?
Every sport is different, but children can take steps to protect themselves from concussions.
- Ensure they follow the coach's rules for safety and rules of the sport
- Encourage them to practice good sportsmanship at all times.
What should you do if you think your child has a concussion?
- Seek medical attention right away. A health care professional with knowledge in concussion management will be able to decide how severe the concussion is and when it is safe for your child to return to sports.
- Keep your child out of play. Concussions take time to heal. Don't let your child return to play on the same day the injury occurred and until a health care professional says it's ok. Children who return to play too soon-while the brain is still healing-risk a greater chance of a second concussion. Second or later, concussions can be severe. They can cause permanent brain damage, affecting your child for a lifetime.
- Tell your child's coach about any recent concussion. Coaches should know if your child had a recent concussion in any sport. Unless you tell the coach, your child's coach may not know about a concussion your child received in another sport or activity.