CONCUSSIONS


MILD
POTENTIALLY SERIOUS
  Signs / Symptoms  
 
• Disorientation
• Decreased Coordination
• Behavior Changes
• Amnesia (Less than 15 minutes)
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Ringing in the ears
• Difficulty focusing
 
 
• Memory loss (Greater than 15 minutes)
• Uneven pupils
• Vomiting
• Clear fluid oozing from ears or nose
• Unconsciousness (Greater than 30 seconds)
• Alert periods of mental confusion (Greater than 15 minutes)
 
  Treatment  
 
• If these symptoms resolve within 20-30 minutes then:
(1) Alert the family physician as soon as possible.
(2) Monitor athlete for at least 24 hours to see if any there are any other signs/symptoms present.
• If symptoms DO NOT resolve within 20-30 minutes see a physician.
• Due to the life threatening nature of over lapping concussions... DO NOT RETURN TO THE GAME UNTIL SYMPTOMS HAVE COMPLETELY RESOLVED.
 
 
  If any of the following occur, call 9-1-1:
• Uneven Pupils
• Vomiting
• Clear fluid oozing from ears, or nose
• Unconsciousness (greater than 15 seconds)

Alert family physician as soon as possible.

***Concussion signs and symptoms can often develop slowly over time. Any time you suspect concussion and the obvious signs are not present, monitor the athlete and take them to the emergency room if the symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.
 

  
PREVENTION
 
• Make certain that all equipment fits properly and is worn properly.
• Use proper technique always.
• Increase strength and flexibility of neck muscles.
• Wear a mouth guard.
 
COMMONLY ASSOCIATED WITH:
 
Football, soccer, wrestling, judo
 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
 
Brain Injury Association
 
   
It is extremely important to be able to recognize serious and/or life threatening injuries. These injuries are not always obvious therefore, we recommend that someone (i.e. a coach or team parent) become certified in Basic First Aide Procedures. The American Red Cross offers frequent courses in the procedures.