Concussion Care

Student athletes – in fact, athletes of any age – must be wary of undetected injuries. One injury that often goes undetected and has serious consequences is a concussion.

A concussion results from a blow to the head. Even a mild bump can cause a concussion. When you receive a second concussion before the first has properly healed, it can result in serious complications, even death. That’s why it’s so important that when a concussion occurs, the injury be accurately diagnosed and appropriately treated.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

Signs and symptoms of a concussion can range from mild to severe – but in all cases require a medical examination. Athletes should not return to play until they are free of these signs and symptoms, which could worsen with exertion.

Signs of a concussion that others may observe in an athlete include:

• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused about assignment
• Forgets plays
• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even temporarily)
• Shows behavior or personality change
• Forgets events prior to hit (retrograde)
• Forgets events after hit (anterograde)

Concussion symptoms an athlete may self-report include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or fuzzy vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling sluggish
• Feeling “foggy”
• Change in sleep pattern
• Concentration or memory problems

On-Field Cognitive Testing

Some simple cognitive tests a coach, friend, or loved one may administer at the site of activity include the following. Any failure should be considered abnormal. Consult a sports medicine physician trained in the proper evaluation and management of concussions any time you suspect a concussion.

Orientation Test

Ask the athlete:

• What stadium is this?
• What city is this?
• Who is the opposing team?
• What month is it?
• What day is it?

Anterograde Amnesia Test

This type of amnesia involves difficulty remembering things that occurred after the concussion.

Ask the athlete to repeat the following words:

• Girl
• Dog
• Green

Retrograde Amnesia Test

This type of amnesia involves difficulty remembering things that occurred before the concussion.

Ask the athlete:

• What happened in the prior quarter/period?
• What do you remember just prior to the hit?
• What was the score of the game prior to the hit?
• Do you remember the hit?

Concentration Test

Ask the athlete to do the following:

• Repeat the days of the week backward, starting with today.
• Repeat these numbers backward: 63 (36 is correct) 419 (914 is correct)

Word List Memory Test

Ask the athlete to repeat the three words from earlier (girl, dog, green).

Additional Concussion Resources

• Brain injury awareness by the CDC
• ImPACT, manufacturer of devices that assist in concussion assessment and management