 A traumatically induced alteration in mental status not necessarily with a loss of consciousness ◦ A change in your brain’s ability to function normally after a hit to the head or body – and you do not have to black out for in to be considered a concussion  Can happen from a directly or indirectly ◦ Directly: hit to the head ◦ Indirectly: hit to the body or whiplash

 Any athlete who shows signs or symptoms of a concussion must be removed from play immediately!  If you suspect you have a concussion you should see a healthcare provider right away.  Only a doctor should give medication to someone suspected of having a concussion.

 Every concussion is unique ◦ The same hit to two different people can cause two very different sets of symptoms ◦ Care must be individualized  More than 80% of concussions will resolve successfully within the first 3 weeks

 Symptoms ◦ Physical – how you feel physically ◦ Emotional – how you react ◦ Cognitive – how you think  Physical Signs  Impaired brain function  Abnormal behavior

 Symptoms ◦ Only need ONE symptom present to be considered a possible concussion ◦ Headache is most common symptom

 Headache  Pressure in head  Neck pain  Nausea/Vomiting  Dizziness  Blurred Vision  Balance problems  Sensitive to light  Sensitive to noise  Feel slowed down  Feel in a fog  Difficulty concentrating  Difficulty remembering  Fatigue/low energy  Confusion  Drowsiness  Irritable  Sad  Nervous/Anxious

 Orientation ◦ Where are you? ◦ What day is it? ◦ What year is it? ◦ What team are you playing? ◦ Who is winning?

 Memory ◦ Both short term and long term  Repeat words given by examiner  Concentration ◦ Repeat numbers backwards ◦ Repeat months of year backwards

 Balance with eyes closed ◦ One foot ◦ Two feet together ◦ One foot in front of other – heel to toe  Coordination ◦ Finger to nose

 Headache gets worse  Cannot fully awaken  Memory loss  Vomiting  Increased confusion  Increased irritability  Seizure  Weakness/numbness in arms and/or legs  Slurred speech  Balance problems

 REST!!! ◦ Physical rest  No activity whatsoever ◦ Cognitive rest  No television, video games, reading, thinking

 Once you have NO symptoms… ◦ Cleared by doctor ◦ Pass concussion test ◦ Four day return to play protocol  Day One – light aerobic exercise (jog, bike)  Day Two – Sport specific drills (jumping, sprinting)  Day Three – Light practice  Day Four – full practice  Day Five – full return  If you get symptoms at point, need to rest and then start all over

 Rapid swelling of the brain that occurs when someone sustains a second head injury/concussion before the previous head injury has resolved.  This can be a very minor injury (2 nd one) that causes major problems.  This typically is fatal.  Athlete must be rushed to hospital IMMEDIATELY.