Concussion Information
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a warning and process regarding concussion in youth sports, regardless of the sport. Coaches will be required to take a concussion course. The CDC offers a free online training at : Concussion Training.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Even a “ding”, “getting your bell rung”, or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.
Did You Know?
· Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.
· Anyone who has had a concussion at any point in their lives has an increased risk for another concussion.
· Young children and teens are more likely to get a concussion and take longer to recover than adults.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Concussion?
Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury.
If an athlete reports one or more symptoms of concussion listed below after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, the player should be kept out of play or practice the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experience in evaluating for concussion, says the athlete is symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play.
| Signs observed by coaching staff: | Symptoms reported by athletes: |
| Appears dazed or stunned | Headache or “pressure” in head |
| Forgets an instruction | Nausea or vomiting |
| Is confused about assignment or position | Balance problems or dizziness |
| Is unsure of game, score, or opponent | Double or blurry vision |
| Moves clumsily | Sensitivity to light |
| Answers questions slowly | Sensitivity to noise |
| Loses consciousness (even briefly) | Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy |
| Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes | Concentration or memory problems |
| Can’t recall events prior to the hit or fall | Confusion |
| Can’t recall events after hit or fall | Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down” |
Concussion danger signs:
In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in a person with a concussion and push the brain against the skull. Call 9-1-1 or take your child to the emergency department right away, if after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body he or she exhibits any of the following danger signs:
· One pupil is larger than the other
· Is drowsy or cannot be awakened
· A headache that gets worse and doesn’t go away
· Slurred speech
· Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination
· Repeated vomiting or nausea
· Convulsions or seizures
· Becomes increasingly confused, restless, or agitated
· Has unusual behavior
· Loses consciousness ( even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously)
Remember
Concussions affect people differently. While most athletes with a concussion recover quickly and fully, some will have symptoms that last for days, or even weeks. A more serious concussion can last for months.
Why should an Athlete Report Symptoms?
If an athlete has a concussion, their brain needs time to heal. While an athlete’s brain is healing, they are more likely to have another concussion. Repeat concussions can increase the time it takes to recover. In rare cases, repeat concussions in young athletes can result in brain swelling or permanent damage to one’s brain. Concussions can even be fatal.
What should you do if you think your athlete has a Concussion?
1. Remove the athlete from play.
2. Ensure that a licensed health care professional trained in concussion management evaluates the athlete; do not try to judge the seriousness of the injury yourself.
3. Inform the athlete’s parents of guardians about the possible concussion and give them or refer them online to the fact sheet on concussions.
4. Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury. An athlete should only return to play with the permission from a licensed health care professional trained in concussion management.
Rest is a key component to helping an athlete recover from a concussion. Exercising or activities that involve a lot of concentration such as studying, working on the computer, or playing video games may cause concussion symptoms to reappear or grow worse. Following a concussion, returning to sports and school should be a gradual process that is carefully managed and monitored by a health care professional.
More Information and Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/index.html
Center for Disease Control – Concussion – Parent Fact Sheet
Center for Disease Control – Concussion Resources
https://hawaiiconcussion.com/
Hawaii Concussion Parent Information