Identifying a Concussion
A concussion, sometimes called a mild traumatic brain injury, can occur from a sudden fall, a blow from another person or a hit from the piece of equipment that causes the brain to move quickly within the skull. This motion changes the way the brain communicates which can lead to changes in how someone thinks or behaves.
On-field Signs
Dazed or stunnedDisplaying the motions that are uncharacteristic of the athleteSlowly responding to play callsHolding their headDifficulty recalling events
Concussion symptoms
PhysicalCognitiveEmotionalSleep-related
Emergency “Red Flags”
Severe or increasing headacheIntense neck pain particularly down the middle with weakness or burning into both arms or legsAthlete reporting double visionSeizing or convulsing body movementsLoss of consciousness for greater than one minuteA deteriorating mental state such as going in and out of consciousnessRepetitive vomitingIncreasingly combative
Michigan’s Youth Concussion Law
Every athlete and their parent or guardian must provide written informed consent of concussion education materialsEach coach, employee or volunteer is required to complete a concussion awareness training program once every three yearsAny athlete who is suspected of having concussion must be immediately removed from participationAny athlete removed from participation because of a possible concussion cannot return to full sport participation until an appropriate health professional has provided written clearance for the athlete to return to full sport participation
Remove from Play
Do not attempt to diagnose a concussion yourself.
Goal of Removal
The goal is not to diagnose a concussion on the sideline, but to remove the athlete from risk, risk of another concussion, or risk of a more serious brain injury.
For Athletes
It’s important to know that you don’t need to be able to diagnose concussion.What we want you to be able to do is recognize signs and symptoms of concussion, so that when a suspected concussion occurs, you’ll be able to manage it, and feel calm, and safe during that situation.
Responsibilities of Coaches and Parents
Make sure they’re not participating anymoreYou need to get him to a medical professionalYou need to keep them quietThe law in Michigan requires immediate removal of student-athlete whenever there is concern for concussionBefore return to full participation, a written authorization from a healthcare provider must be obtainedForms must be kept on file at the school for seven years following the students graduation
Rest and Rehabilitation
The first few Days
If red flags symptoms should develop, medical care should be sought immediatelyActivities that makes symptoms worse should be avoidedActivities that put one at an increased risk for concussion should be avoided
Reintroduction of Physical School and Work Activities
Getting restful sleepAdequate hydration of 60-80 ouncesA healthy dietUse of electronic devices during recovery from concussion can be undertaken as long as it doesn’t markedly worsen symptoms
Return to Learn and Activity
Return to Learn
Daily activitiesSchool activitiesReturn to school Part-timeReturn to school Full-time
Return to Athletic Activity Stages
Symptom-limited activityLight aerobic exerciseSport-specific exerciseNon-contact training drillsFull contact practiceReturn to sport
Long-Term Effects
It’s important to remember that most people have a normal recovery within 30 days of injuryWhen prolonged recovery occurs, it’s very important to identify the factors that cause the symptoms and to initiate treatment immediatelyCare at a healthcare facility with expertise in concussion can aid in this processManagement of prolonged recovery should be individualized, and best takes place by those with expertise in concussion careStudies do not suggest that there’s an increased risk of dementia, depression, or suicide later in life
My Certificate
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