CONCUSSION INFORMATION

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 “Pressure in Head” Nausea or Vomiting Neck Pain Balance Problems or Dizziness Blurred, Double or Fuzzy Vision Sensitivity to Light or Noise Feeling Sluggish or Slowed Down Feeling Foggy or Groggy Drowsiness Change in Sleep Patterns

Amnesia “Don’t Feel Right” Fatigue or Low Energy Sadness Nervousness or Anxiety Irritability More Emotional Confusion Concentration or Memory Problems (Forgetting Game Plays) Repeating the Same Question  / Comment

SIGNS OBSERVED BY TEAMMATES, FAMILY AND COACHES CAN INCLUDE

Appears Dazed Vacant Facial Expression Confused about Assignment Forgets Plays In 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 Event After Hit Seizures or Convulsions Any Change in Typical Behavior or Personality Loses Consciousness

WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF MY CHILD KEEPS PLAYING WITH A CONCUSSION OR RETURNS TOO SOON

Athletes with signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves young athletes 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 coaches, administrators, family and students is key for the athlete’s safety.

IF YOU THINK YOU 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 Zackery Lystedt Law in Washington state now requires the consistent and uniform implementation of long and well- established return to play concussion guidelines:

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

- AND -

“...may not return to play until the athlete is evaluated by a license health care 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 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.

Ephrata Schools will be required to follow the district’s return to play protocol after the license health care provider clears the athlete for participation following a concussion.

For current information on concussions, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/