Concussion Information

 

Download the concussion information and form below. Parents and athletes are required to read, sign and turn in the form to the athletic trainer. The form will be due yearly by every athlete.

 

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?

A concussion is a brain injury that:

·         Is caused by a blow to the head or body – from contact with another player, hitting a hard surface such as the ground, or being hit by a piece of equipment such as a bat or ball.

·         Can change the way your brain normally works.

·         Can range from mild to severe.

·         Presents itself differently for each athlete.

·         Can occur during practice or competition for ANY sport.

·         Can happen even if you do not lose consciousness.

All concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly.  In other words, even a “ding” or a bump on the head can be serious.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION?

You can’t see a concussion, but you might notice some symptoms right away.  Other symptoms can show up hours or days after the injury.  If your child reports and symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek medical attention immediately.  Concussion symptoms may include:

Amnesia	Nausea or vomiting	Neck pain
Confusion	“Don’t feel right”	Balance problems or dizziness
Headache or pressure in head	Feeling sluggish, foggy or groggy	Blurred double, or fuzzy vision
Concentration or memory problems (forgetting game plays, facts, repeated questions)	Feeling unusually irritable	Sensitivity to light or noise
Loss of consciousness	Slowed reaction time	Drowsiness

Exercise or activities that involve a lot of concentration, such as studying, working on the computer, or playing video games may cause concussion symptoms (such as headache or tiredness) to reappear or get worse.

SIGNS OBSERVED BY TEAMMATES, PARENTS AND COACHES INCLUDE: