Concussion Awareness Information

What is a concussion?
A concussion is an injury to the brain and most commonly does not involve a loss of consciousness. A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly. In other words, even a “ding” or a bump on the head can be serious. You can’t see a concussion and most sports concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. 

If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek medical attention right away. 

Some things to know about concussions:
•Concussions may be caused by a direct blow to the head, face, neck or elsewhere on the body.  These blows transmit an impulse of energy to the brain that disrupts its function.
•Concussions typically result in the rapid onset and short-lived impairment of brain function.  This impairment usually resolves spontaneously.
•Concussions are a problem in the function of the brain and not a change in the structure of the brain.  Therefore, imaging tests of the brain (MRI, CT) are commonly normal for concussed individuals.
•Frequently, concussions result from a head blow even if there is no loss of consciousness.
•The symptoms of a concussion usually resolve in a slow and steady fashion.

What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?
An athlete can display a wide range of symptoms consistent with altered mental status.  The athlete often will not know that the symptoms represent a concussions.  This is why it is IMPERATIVE that adult coaches and volunteers closely monitor athletes after ANY impact (direct or indirect) to the head.  This includes direct and indirect contact with objects or people.

The following symptoms may be observed on the sideline or bench:
•Athlete is unaware of inning, score of game, name of opposing team
•Confusion
•Amnesia
•Loss of consciousness
•Unaware of time, date, place
•Headache
•Vacant facial expression
•Slurred speech or slow to answer questions
•Clumsiness or displays lack of coordination
•Seizures or convulsions
•Any change in typical behavior or personality
 
Other typical symptoms include:
•Headache
•Nausea or vomiting
•Unsteadiness/Loss of balance
•Feeling "dazed" or "dinged"
•"Pressure in head"
•Double vision
•Dizziness
•Ringing in ears
•Sensitivity to light or noise
•Neck pain
•Grogginess or Drowsiness
•"Doesn't feel right"
•Sadness or irritability or heightened emotion
•Repeating words or phrases or questions
•Confusion
 
The range and potential vague nature often make diagnosis difficult.

What should I do if I suspect someone may have a concussion? 
If anyone suspects an athlete may have the potential for a concussion, it is imperative that the athlete is removed from the competition and medical assessment or treatment is sought immediately.  It's much better to be safe than sorry!

You should also inform your child’s coach if you think that your child may have a concussion. Remember, its better to miss one game than miss the whole season. And when in doubt, the athlete sits out.

Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical clearance. This clearance must be in writing. No exceptions.

Concussion Fact Sheet: 
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/pdf/parents_Eng.pdf

For current and up-to-date information on concussions you can go to:
http://usafootball.com/health-safety/concussion-awareness
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/youth.html