HEADS UP: CONCUSSION IN YOUTH SPORTS
Signs and Symptoms
SIGNS OBSERVED BY PARENTS OR GUARDIANS
If your child has experienced a 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 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
- Headache or “pressure” in the 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”
- Seek medical attention right away. A health care professional will be able to decide how serious 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 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 having a second concussion. Second or later concussions can be very serious. 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. Your child’s coach may not know about a concussion your child received in another sport or activity unless you tell the coach.
FILL IN THE NAME AND NUMBER OF YOUR LOCAL HOSPITAL(S) BELOW:
Hospital Name:
Hospital Phone:
Hospital Name:
Hospital Phone:
For immediate attention, CALL 911
It’s better to miss one game than the whole season.
For more information and to order additional materials free-of-charge, visit: www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports
U.S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
July 2007
Content Source: National Center for
Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Injury Response
Page last modified: July 25, 2007
Page last modified: July 25, 2007