Bellingham School District #501

Concussion Information Sheet

 

A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They are 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. They 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
  •  Amnesia
  • “Pressure in head”
  • “Don’t feel right”
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Neck pain
  • Sadness
  • Balance problems or dizziness
  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Blurred, double or fuzzy vision
  • Irritability
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • More emotional
  • Feeling sluggish or slowed down
  • Confusion
  • Feeling foggy or groggy
  • Concentration or memory problems
  • Drowsiness

(forgetting game plays)
  • Change in sleep patterns
  • 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 in-coordination
  • Answers questions slowly
  • Slurred speech
  • 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

 

Over →

What can happen if my child keeps on playing with a concussion or returns to soon

 

Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should 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 the 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 athletes will often under report symptoms of injuries. Concussions are no different. As a result, education of administrators, coaches, parents and students is the key for student-athlete safety.

 

If you think your child has suffered a concussion

 

Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the game 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 implementation of return to play concussion guidelines as follows:

 

 

 

You should inform your child’s coach if you think that your child may have a concussion.

Remember it is better to miss one game than miss the whole season. And when in doubt, the athlete sits out.

 

My signature below indicates I have read and understand the information above to comply with the management of concussions and head injuries as prescribed by HB 1824, Section 2.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

Student-Athlete Signature                     Student-Athlete Name (printed)                       Date

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

Parent or Legal Guardian Signature      Parent or Legal Guardian Name (printed)         Date

 

 

 

For current and up-to-date information on concussions you can go to http://www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports