your or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. “ding,” “getting bell rung,” Concussions can also result from a fall or from players colliding with each other or with obstacles, such as a goalpost, even if they do not directly hit their head. The potential for concussions is greatest in athletic environments where collisions are common. Concussions can occur, however, in any organized or unorganized sport or recreational activity. As many as 3.8 million sports and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. RECOGNIZING A POSSIBLE CONCUSSION To help recognize a concussion, you should watch for the following two things among your athletes: 1. A forceful blow to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head. -and- 2. Any change in the or physical functioning. (See the signs and athlete’s behavior, thinking, symptoms of concussion.) SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Signs observed by coaching staff Appears dazed or stunned • Is confused about assignment or position • Forgets sports plays • Is unsure of game, score, or opponent • Moves clumsily • Answers questions slowly • Loses consciousness (even briefly) • Shows behavior or personality changes events prior to hit or fall • Can’t recall events after hit or fall • Can’t recall Symptoms Reported By Athlete Headache or in head • “pressure” 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 • Does not • “feel right” Athletes who experience any of these signs or symptoms after a bump or blow to the head should be kept from play until given permission to return to play by a health care professional (see Licensed Health Care Provided list below) with experience in evaluating for concussions. Signs and symptoms of concussion can last from several minutes to days, weeks, months, or even longer in some cases. Remember, you see a concussion and some athletes may not experience and/or report can’t symptoms until hours or days after the injury. If you have any suspicion that your athlete has a concussion, you should keep the athlete out of the game or practice. PREVENTION AND PREPARATION
“ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. Concussions can also result from a fall or from players colliding with each other or with obstacles, such as a goalpost, even if they do not directly hit their head. The potential for concussions is greatest in athletic environments where collisions are common. Concussions can occur, however, in any organized or unorganized sport or recreational activity. As many as 3.8 million sports and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. RECOGNIZING A POSSIBLE CONCUSSION To help recognize a concussion, you should watch for the following two things among your athletes: 1. A forceful blow to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head. -and- 2. Any change in the athlete’s behavior, thinking, or physical functioning. (See the signs and symptoms of concussion.) SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Signs observed by coaching staff • Appears dazed or stunned • Is confused about assignment or position • Forgets sports plays • Is unsure of game, score, or opponent • Moves clumsily • Answers questions slowly • Loses consciousness (even briefly) Shows behavior or personality changes • Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall • Can’t recall events after hit or fall Symptoms Reported By Athlete • 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 • Does not “feel right” Athletes who experience any of these signs or symptoms after a bump or blow to the head should be kept from play until given permission to return to play by a health care professional (see Licensed Health Care Provided list below) with experience in evaluating for concussions. Signs and symptoms of concussion can last from several minutes to days, weeks, months, or even longer in some cases. Remember, you can’t see a concussion and some athletes may not experience and/or report symptoms until hours or days after the injury. If you have any suspicion that your athlete has a concussion, you should keep the athlete out of the game or practice. PREVENTION AND PREPARATION