?A CONCUSSION IS A BRAIN INJURY. ?ALL CONCUSSIONS ARE SERIOUS ?CONCUSSIONS CAN OCCUR IN A SPORT ?CONCUSSIONS CAN OCCUR WITHOUT loss of consciousness. ?PROPER MANAGEMENT WHEN A concussion ? rst occurs can help prevent further injury or death. What Is A Concussion? •A concussion is a type of trauma? c brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. How To Recognize a Concussion •It is not always easy to know if someone has a concussion. •Symptoms of a concussion range from mild to severe.
•They can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months. Signs To Watch For •Signs Coaches Observe For: •Appears dazed •Player is confused •Forgets instruc? ons •Unsure of game, score, or opponent •Answers ques? ons slowly •Shows mood or behavior changes Symptoms Reported By Athlete •Headache or pressure in head •Nausea or Vomi? ng •Dizziness •Blurred or double vision •Sensi? vity to light or noise •Feeling sluggish, hazy, or groggy •Confusion •Just “not feeling right”. ?
In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in a person with a concussion and crowd the brain against the skull. Concussions Are Dangerous • One pupil larger than the other • Is drowsy or cannot be awakened • A headache that not only does not diminish, but gets worse • Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordina? on • Repeated vomi? ng or nausea • Slurred speech • Convulsions or seizures • Cannot recognize people or places • Becomes increasingly confused, restless, or agitated • Has unusual behavior • Loses consciousness (even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously) Symptoms Of Head Injury WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOUR ATHLETE HAS A CONCUSSION?