Midlakes Concussion Form
Concussion Information Sheet
A concussion is a brain injury, and all brain injuries are serious. It is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. It can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly. In other words, even a “ding” or a bump on the head can be serious. You can’t see a concussion and most sports concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek medical attention right away.
Symptoms may include one or more of the following:
Headaches
“Pressure in head”
Nausea or vomiting Neck pain Balance problems or dizziness Blurred, double, or fuzzy vision Sensitivity to light or noise Feeling sluggish or slowed down Feeling foggy or groggy Drowsiness Change in sleep patterns Amnesia
“Don’t feel right” Fatigue or low energy Sadness Nervousness or anxiety Irritability More emotional Confusion Concentration or memory problems Repeating the same question/comment
Signs observed by teammates, parents and coaches include:
Appears dazed Vacant facial expression Confused about assignment Forgets plays
Is unsure of game, score, or opponent Moves clumsily or displays incoordination Answers questions slowly Shows behavior or personality changes Can’t recall events prior to hit Can’t recall events after hit Seizures or convulsions
Any change in typical behavior or personality Loses consciousness Slurred speech
What can happen if my child keeps on playing with a concussion or returns too soon?
Adapted from the CDC and the 3rd International Conference on
Concussion in Sport Document created 9/15/2009
Midlakes Swim League
Concussion Information Sheet
Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion must be removed from play immediately. Continuing
to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to
greater injury. There is an increased risk of significant damage from a concussion for a period of time after
that concussion occurs, particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering
from the first one. This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even to severe brain swelling (second impact
syndrome) with devastating and even fatal consequences. It is well known that adolescent or teenage
athlete will often under report symptoms of injuries. And concussions are no different. As a result,
education of administrators, coaches, parents and athletes is the key for athlete safety.
If you think your child has suffered a concussion
Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion must be removed from the meet or practice
immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of
how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical clearance. Close observation of the
athlete should continue for several hours. The new “Zackery Lystedt Law” in Washington now requires the
consistent and uniform implementation of long and well-established return to play concussion guidelines
that have been recommended for several years:
“a youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in a practice or game
shall be removed from competition at that time”
and
“…may not return to play until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed heath care provider trained in
the evaluation and management of concussion and received written clearance to return to play
from that health care provider”.
You should also inform your child’s coach if you think that your child may have a concussion Remember it's better to miss one meet or practice than miss the whole season. And when in doubt, the athlete sits out.
For current and up-to-date information on concussions you can go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports
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