• Appears dazed

• Vacant facial expression

• Confused about assignment

• Forgets plays

• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent

• Moves clumsily or displays incoordination

• 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

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 that 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. And concussions are no different. As a result, education of administrators, coaches, parents and students is the key for student-athlete’s 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 the consistent and uniform implementation of long and well-established return to play concussion guidelines that have been recommended for several years:

“a youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in a practice or game shall be removed from competition at that time”

and

“...may not return to play until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussion and received written clearance to return to play from that health care provider”.

You should also inform your child’s coach if you think that your child may have a concussion. Remember, it’s better to miss one game than miss the whole season. When in doubt, the athlete sits out.

For current and up-to-date information on concussions you can go to:

http://www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports/