Symptoms of a Concussion
If an athlete has a concussion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, coaches, parents, or other students might notice that the injured player:
Appears dazed or stunnedIs confused about assignmentForgets playsIs unsure of game, score, or opponentMoves clumsilyAnswers questions slowlyLoses consciousnessShows behavior or personality changesCan’t recall events prior to hitCan’t recall events after hit
Or the athlete himself might report the following symptoms if he has a concussion, including a:
HeadacheNauseaBalance problems or dizzinessDouble or fuzzy visionSensitivity to light or noiseFeeling sluggishFeeling foggy or groggyConcentration or memory problemsConfusion
Other important facts about concussions include that they:
Are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head Can occur even if the athlete doesn’t lose consciousness Can happen in any sport May not cause symptoms until days or weeks after the injury Can cause brain swelling, permanent brain damage, or even death, if an athlete has a second concussion before fully recovering from a first one
Concussion Management
If you think that an athlete has a concussion, according to the CDC Heads Up: Concussion in High School Sports program, you should:
