HEADS UP CONCUSSION IN HIGH SCHOOL
SPORTS
A FACT
SHEET FOR PARENTS
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 |
|
SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY ATHLETE |
| Appears dazed or
stunned |
|
Headache |
| Is confused about
assignment |
|
Nausea |
| Forgets plays |
|
Balance problems or
dizziness |
| Is unsure of game,
score, or opponent |
|
Double or fuzzy vision |
| Moves clumsily
|
|
Sensitivity to light or
noise |
| Answers questions
slowly |
|
Feeling sluggish |
| Loses consciousness |
|
Feeling foggy or groggy |
| Shows
behavior or personality changes |
|
Concentration or memory problems |
| Can’t recall events
prior to hit |
|
Confusion |
| Can’t recall events
after hit |
|
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.
|
