A sports concussion is caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. Any traumatic brain injury can change the way your brain normally functions. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.
Concussions can also result from a fall or from players colliding with each other or with obstacles, such as a goalpost.
Concussions can occur in any sport or recreation activity. All coaches, parents, and athletes need to learn concussion signs and symptoms and the proper steps to take if a sports concussion occurs.
All concussions or suspected concussions must be taken seriously. An athlete should be immediately removed from play if a suspected concussion takes place
An athlete should never be allowed to return to play until he or she obtains medical clearance from a trained concussion professional.
To help recognize a sports concussion, you should be on the alert for:
AND
Athletes who experience any of the signs and symptoms listed below after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body should be kept out of play the day of the injury . They can return to play when a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, determines that they are symptom-free.
Remember: When in doubt, keep them out!
It is important to remember that you can’t see a concussion by observation and some athletes may not experience and/or report symptoms until hours or days after the injury. It may take days or even weeks for some of the signs and symptoms of a sports concussion to develop.
Any time a sports concussion is suspected, it is important to have the player evaluated by a trained concussion professional before being allowed to resume sporting or educational activities.
A concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first can increase the likelihood of having long-term problems. In rare cases suffering a second concussion before the brain fully heals can result in brain swelling and even death. Permanent brain damage is known to take place in players who have sustained repeated sports concussions.
This more serious condition involving repetitive concussions is called "second impact syndrome".
It is important that an athlete be removed from play and not be allowed to return until properly evaluated for a concussion.
“It’s better to miss one game than the whole season.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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