Concussion Information
Lexington High School Parent/ Athlete Concussion Information Form
2015-2016
What is a Concussion
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. It causes a disruption of normal brain function due to either a direct or indirect blow to the head, face, neck or other body part that causes the brain to move back and forth rapidly. This rapid movement causes damage to the brain at a microscopic level.
Concussion Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms Reported by Athletes
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. It causes a disruption of normal brain function due to either a direct or indirect blow to the head, face, neck or other body part that causes the brain to move back and forth rapidly. This rapid movement causes damage to the brain at a microscopic level.
Concussion Signs & Symptoms
- Appears Dazed or Stunned
- Confused about what to do or forgets instructions/ plays
- Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
- Answers questions slowly
- Shows mood, behavior or personality changes
Symptoms Reported by Athletes
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness / Balance Problems
- Blurred/ Double Vision
- Difficulty Concentrating/ Memory Problems
- Sensitivity to Lights / Noise
Concussion Danger Signs
Be alert for symptoms that worsen over time. This can be in a matter of hours or in a matter of days. Your athlete should receive immediate medical attention if he or she has:
- One pupil larger than the other
- Is drowsy or cannot be awakened
- A headache that gets worse or does not go away
- Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Slurred Speech
- Convulsions or Seizures
- Cannot recognize people or places
- Increasing confusion, restlessness or agitation
- Unusual behavior
- Loss of consciousness (even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously)
Why Should An Athlete Report Their Symptoms?
An athlete's brain needs time to heal following a concussion. While the athlete's brain is still healing, the athlete is much more likely to have another concussion. Repeat concussions can increase the amount of time it takes to recover. In rare cases, repeat concussions in you athletes can result in brain swelling known as "Second Impact Syndrome" which can even be fatal or cause permanent damage to the brain.
What Should You Do If You Think Your Athlete Has a Concussion?
If you suspect your athlete has a concussion, he or she should be removed immediately from play. Continuing to participate in physical activity after a concussion can lead to worsening concussion symptoms, increased risk for further injury, and even death. The athlete should not be allowed to return to activity until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussions has evaluated the athlete for concussion. Remember, its better to miss one game than the whole season.
What Can YOU Do to Help Recover from a Concussion?
Rest is key to helping an athlete recover from a concussion. There are no medications that can speed up the recovery from a concussion. Exercise and activities that require a lot of concentration appear to cause concussion symptoms to worsen and/ or last longer. Examples of activities to refrain from while recovering from a concussion include: exposure to loud noises, bright lights, computers, playing video games, television & phones (including text messaging). Resting as much as possible in the days following a concussion is the best treatment. Returning to sports following a concussion must be carefully managed by a health care professional.
Interesting Facts About Concussions
- An athlete does not have to lose consciousness to suffer a concussion
- Concussion symptoms may last a few days to several months
- Concussion Symptoms can interfere with school, work & social life
- Athletes who have had a pervious concussion are at increased risk for another concussion
- Teens are more likely to get a concussion and take longer to recover than adults