CONCUSSION AWARENESS & MANAGEMENT
BE SMART!
WHEN IN DOUBT – SIT THEM OUT!
CONCUSSION: Signs & Symptoms
- Confusion and Disorientation
- Loss of Consciousness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Loss of Balance
- Double Vision or Fuzzy Vision
- Ringing in the Ears
- Slow Or Slurred Speech
- Seeing “Stars”
- Feeling Stunned or Dazed
- Emotional or Personality Changes
CONCUSSION: Management & Rehabilitation
An athlete should never return to play while symptomatic.
When a player shows ANY SYMPTOMS or SIGNS of a concussion…
✘ The player should not be allowed to return to play in the current game or practice.
✘ The player should not be left alone; regular monitoring for deterioration is essential.
✔ The player should be medically evaluated.
CONCUSSION: Guidelines for Coaches, Players, Parents & Officials
- Concussion is a Brain Injury
- You do not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion
- Symptoms are often subtle
- Wear properly fitted protective equipment
- The head (helmet/facemask) should never be used to make initial contact with another player
-
A concussion may be caused by a direct blow to the head, face, neck, or anywhere else that
causes a severe and sudden movement to the head and neck - Medical Clearance by an appropriate physician is mandatory before returning to play
CONCUSSION: Follow These 6 Steps Before Returning to Play
- No activity, complete rest. Once asymptomatic, proceed to step two
- Light aerobic exercise such as walking or stationary cycling
- Sport-specific training (e.g. running in football, skating in hockey)
- Non-contact training drills
- Full-contact training after medical clearance
- Game play
