Sports Concussion - what parents need to know about concussions

Parents: if you think your child has suffered a concussion

Remove them from game/practice immediately

Seek medical attention; don't try to judge the severity of the injury yourself

Physical and cognitive rest is key

At home: watch closely

Review the signs and symptoms of a concussion, and keep in mind that some symptoms may not appear right away...in fact they may not be apparent for hours or even days. Don’t try to assess the severity of the injury yourself as concussions can be very unpredictable. A medical professional will be able to decide how serious the injury is and how to manage the return-to-play decision. Make sure your child is evaluated by someone who is experienced in the diagnosis and management of concussions- it's important to inquire. Take the Acute Concussion Evaluation (ACE) Physician Form (developed by our own Dr. Gerard Gioia and his colleague Dr. Mickey Collins) with you to the doctor to ensure a thorough evaluation.

Signs reported by observers Symptoms reported by athlete

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	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”

Call for emergency help if...

Most concussions do not result in emergency care. However, if symptoms worsen, you notice behavioral changes or any of the following, seek care urgently:

headaches that worsen
seizures
neck pain
very drowsy, can't be awakened
repeated vomiting
increasing confusion or irritability
weakness, numbness in arms and legs
unable to recognize people/places, less responsive than usual

If you observe any of the above signs, call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately

Source: ACE Post-Concussion Home/School Instructions Children's National Medical Center, Washington DC

Keep them out of play...

Until their brain has fully healed

Knowing when a concussion, or brain injury, has fully healed is difficult. The return-to-play decision is a medical decision, period. A coach, parent, or any other well-meaning person typically does not have the skill and/or experience required to decide when the athlete's brain has healed. While the majority of concussions do heal within a few weeks, it's important to know that re-injuring a brain before a previous injury has completely resolved can have catastrophic consequences. A rare complication called second impact syndrome can be fatal. At best, multiple concussions within a short period of time can lead to a prolonged recovery of weeks, months, or years. The return-to-play decision is one of the most critical decisions your health care provider will make.

After your doctor visit, the ACE Post-Concussion Home/School Instructions can provide valuable information
the Zurich 2009 recovery guidelines recommend limiting cognitive activities such as schoolwork, TV, video games, computer work, and text messaging if they are causing symptoms No Sports, No Schoolwork, No Text Messages (article) Zurich guidelines full text
After your child receives medical clearance they should resume activity according to gradual return-to-play guidelines, making sure they remain symptom-free during exertion. If symptoms return during activity, their brain may not be fully healed and more time may be needed

Head U Concussions

The CDC's "Heads Up" campaign
has downloadable materials for:

parents athletes

coaches schools

For further information visit: www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports

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