Athletes who experience one or more of the signs or symptoms listed below after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body may have a concussion.
SIGNS OBSERVED BY COACHES AND OFFICIALS
- Appears dazed or stunned
- Is confused about assignment or position
- Forgets and instruction
- Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
- Moves clumsily
- Answers questions slowly
- Loses consciousness (even briefly)
- Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
- Can't recall events prior to hit or fall
- Can't recall events after hit or fall
SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY ATHLETE
- Headache or "pressure" in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Felling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
- Concentration or memory problems
- Just "not feeling right" or is "feeling down"
If you suspect that an athlete has a concussion, or if any of the conditions listed on the left panel are true, you should take the following four steps;
- Remove the athlete from play or practice
- Ensure the athlete is evaluated by a health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion. Do not try to judge the seriousness of the injury yourself.
- Inform the athlete's parents about the possible concussion and give them the CDC Fact Sheet for Parents on Concussion.
- Submit an "Incident Report"
- Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says they are symptom-free and it's OK to return to play.