Concussion Signs and What To Do When You See Them

by: Brad Yeargin, Columbia SC

A concussion is a brain injury in which the brain collides with the inside of the skull. Concussions always are serious, can occur in any sport, and can result from a blow to the body or a shaking at the head. Most of them occur without a loss of consciousness.

Adolescents are more likely than adults to get concussions and their recovery takes longer. Athletes with a history of concussions are at an increased risk for another concussion. A repeat concussion before the brain is fully healed from the first injury will take longer than normal to recover from and increases the likelihood of long-term problems.

Recognition of and proper response to concussions when they first occur can prevent further injury or even death.

Here’s a checklist of signs and symptoms to consider:

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

A forceful bump, blow or jolt to the head or body

Concussion symptoms or a change in the athlete’s:

• Behavior
• Thinking
• Physical functioning

What you can see

• The athlete appears dazed or stunned
• Confused about assignment
• Forgets instruction
• Unsure of game, score or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness
• Mood changes
• Can’t recall events before or after hit

What the athlete reports

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Feeling sluggish
• Concentration problems
• Confusion