What is a concussion?
A concussion is a brain
injury that:
- Is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the
head.
- Can change the way your brain normally works.
- Can range
from mild to severe.
- Can occur during practices or games in any
sport.
- Can happen even if you haven’t been knocked out.
- Can be
serious even if you’ve just been “dinged” or had your “bell
rung.”
How can I prevent a concussion?
It’s different for every
sport. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself from
concussion.
- Follow your coach’s rules for safety and the rules of
the sport.
- Practice good sportsmanship at all times.
- Use the proper sports equipment, including personal protective
equipment (such as helmets). In order for equipment to protect
you, it must be:
- Appropriate for the game, position, and activity
- Well
maintained
- Properly fitted
- Used every time you play
How do I know
if I’ve had a concussion?
You can’t see a concussion, but you
might notice some of the symptoms right away. Other symptoms can
show up days or weeks after the injury. It’s best to see a health
care professional if you think you might have a concussion. An
undiagnosed concussion can affect your ability to do schoolwork
and other everyday activities. It also raises your risk
for additional, serious injury. |
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What are the symptoms of a concussion?
- Nausea (feeling that you might vomit)
- Balance problems or
dizziness
- Double or fuzzy vision
- Sensitivity to light or
noise
- Headache
- Feeling sluggish
- Feeling foggy or
groggy
- Concentration or memory problems
(forgetting game plays)
- Confusion
What
should I do if I think I have a concussion?
- Tell your coaches and
your parents. Never ignore a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Also,
tell your coach if one of your teammates might have a concussion.
- Get a medical check up. A health care professional can tell you if
you have had a concussion and when you are OK to return to play.
- Give yourself time to recover. If you have had a concussion, your
brain needs time to heal. While your brain is still healing, you
are much more likely to have a second concussion. Second or
later concussions can cause permanent brain damage, and even death
in rare cases. Severe brain injury can change your whole life.
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