Sports Concussions

Some Important Facts about Sports Concussions

• A concussion is a brain injury.
• All concussions are serious.
• Concussions can occur without loss of consciousness.
• Concussions can occur in any sport.
• Recognition and proper management of concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death.

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?

A concussion is caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull.  A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

Concussions can also result from a fall or from players colliding with each other or with obstacles, such as a goalpost.

Concussions can occur in any sport or recreation activity. So, all coaches, parents, and athletes need to learn concussion signs and symptoms and what to do if a concussion occurs.

All concussions or suspected concussions must be taken seriously and an athlete should never be allowed to return to play until he or she obtains medical clearance from a trained concussion professional.

How Can I Recognize a Possible Concussion?

To help recognize a concussion, you should watch for the following two things among athletes:

• A forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head.

AND

• Any change in the athlete’s behavior, thinking, or physical functioning.

Athletes who experience any of the signs and symptoms listed below after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body should be kept 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.

Remember:  When in doubt, keep them out!

Signs Observed by Coaching Staff:

• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused about assignment or position
• Forgets an 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
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion
• Does not “feel right” or is “feeling down

You can’t tell a concussion just by looking at an athlete

It is important to remember that you can’t see a concussion by observation and some athletes may not experience and/or report symptoms until hours or days after the injury. It may take days or even weeks for some of the signs and symptoms of a concussion to develop.

Any time a concussion is suspected, it is important to have the player evaluated by a trained concussion professional before being allowed to resume sporting or educational activities.

Prevent long-term problems.

A concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first can increase the likelihood of having long-term problems. In rare cases suffering a second concussion before the brain full heals can result in brain swelling and even death  Permanent brain damage is known to take place in players who have sustained repeated concussions.

This more serious condition involving repetetive concussions is called second impact syndrome.

It is important that an athlete be removed from play and not be allowed to return until properly evaluated for a concussion.

“It’s better to miss one game than the whole season.”

Where can you get more information on concussions?

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