Concussion Info You Really Should Know

A concussion is a pathologic process affecting the brain induced by rapid brain movement inside the skull.  It is a brain injury that has life altering effects and can manifest in a person as trouble in school, relationships, work, and play.  Perception of situations, decision-making, and problem solving are all possibilities.
In 2009 alone, there were documanted 3.8 million sports related concussions in the US.  40-60 thousand in HS football alone, yet only 6% go to the ER.
Symptoms include: Head Ache, nausea/vomiting, decreased balance, decreased vision, feeling "foggy" or confused, and memory problems.
Observations include: Dazed look, cannot follow instructions, mood changes, memory problems such as not being able to recall the hit or not remembering plays.
People with one concussion are 2-4x more likely to have another concussion.  80% of all concussions occur less than 10 days from the first.  
NO SAME DAY RETURN TO SPORT!
Got a Concussed Player?
Remove from play
Monitor for worsening symptoms
Discuss findings/suspicions with coaches, player, and parents
Make sure they are symptom free and cleared before returning to play.
Report it!
When to call EMS/911:
Observed increased confusion, loss of consciousness, neck/spine involvement, and or vomiting
Post injury monitoring includes:
5-10 minutes of constant attention to injured player
Mental Status
Memory
Balance
Attention
Speech

Graduated Return To Play:
Zero activity - Phys/Cognitive testing - Recovery
Lt. Aerobics - Walk/swim/bike - Incr. Heart rate
Sport Specific Ex's - Running, no impact - Incr. movement
Non-contact Drills - Complex Drills - Incr. Coordination
Full-Contact Drills - Normal Training load - Incr. Cognitive load
Return to Gameplay - Gameplay - Restore Confidence

Every injury is individual!

Be conservative with youth!

There is no simple "Return to play" test!

"When in doubt, Sit them out!"