Fact Sheet for Parents
What are the Signs and sym
ptoms of concussion?
What should you do if you think your teenage athlete has a concussion?
What is a concussion
-
A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Even a “ding” or a bump on the head can be serious.
What are the Signs and symptoms of concussion?
You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or can take days or weeks to appear. If your teen reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.
SIGNS OBSERVED BY COACHING STAFF
- Appears dazed or stunned
- Is confused about assignment
- Forgets plays
- Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
- Moves clumsily
- Answers questions slowly
- Loses consciousness
- Shows behavior or personality changes
- Can’t recall events prior to hit
- Can’t recall events after hit
SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY ATHLETE
- Headache
- Nausea
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or fuzzy vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling sluggish
- Feeling foggy or groggy
- Concentration or memory problems
- Confusion
What should you do if you think your teenage athlete has a concussion?
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 teen to return to sports.
Keep your teen out of play. Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your teen return to play until a health care professional says it’s OK. Athletes 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 teen for a lifetime.
Tell all of your teen’s coaches about any recent concussion. Coaches should know if your teen had a recent concussion in ANY sport. Your teen’s coaches may not know about a concussion your teen received in another sport or activity unless you tell them. Knowing about the concussion will allow the coach to keep your teen from activities that could result in another concussion.
Remind your teen: It’s better to miss one game than the whole season.
It’s better to miss one game than the whole season.
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC)
4770 Buford Hwy, NE
MS F-63
Atlanta, GA 30341-3717 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
24 Hours/Every Day - cdcinfo@cdc.gov
