1. Concussions 101: What Every Athlete Needs to Know
Has anyone here had a concussion that would like to share their experience?

2. What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull.

3. Concussion Statistics & Information
There DOES NOT have to be a loss of consciousness to sustain a concussion
CDC estimates reveal that 1.6 million to 3.8 million concussions occur each year
5-10% of athletes will experience a concussion in any given sport season
Headache (85%) and Dizziness (70-80%) are most commonly reported symptoms immediately following concussions for injured athletes
These Statistics are from the center of disease control and prevention.

4. Symptoms of a Concussion
Headache
Confusion
Slowed Reaction Time
Sleep Problems
Balance Problems or Dizziness
Bothered by light or noise
Feeling hazy, groggy, or foggy
Memory problems

5. Signs of a Concussion Appears dazed or stunned
Is confused about assignment or position
Forgets an instruction
Moves clumsily
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness (even briefly)
Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
Can’t recall events after hit or fall
If you suspect that someone has a concussion, pull them aside and ask them a few basic questions. I.e. Where are we? What’s the score?

6. RED FLAGS
These concussion symptoms are all reasons to be taken to a hospital:
Throwing up/Vomiting
One sided weakness/numbness
Sleepiness
Neck Pain
Loss of consciousness

7. “When in doubt, sit them out”

8. Symptom Duration Most symptoms may resolve within 2 weeks.
However, in some cases symptoms may last for several weeks, or even months.
Symptoms such as headache, memory problems, poor concentration, and mood changes can interfere with school, work, and social interactions. The potential for such long-term symptoms indicates the need for careful management of all concussions.

9. Imaging
Diagnostic testing, which includes CT (“CAT”) and MRI scans, are rarely needed following a concussion. While these are helpful in identifying life-threatening brain injuries (e.g. skull fracture, bleeding, swelling), they are not normally utilized.
Diagnosed based upon the athlete’s story of the injury and the health care provider’s physical examination.

10. Treatment
REST
Limit exposure to computers, bright lights, loud noises, phones
Eat regular diet
No physical activity until symptoms subside
No medication can help speed the recovery process of a concussion

11. Return to Play Protocol
Step 0: Be sure that all Concussion like symptoms have subsided
Step 1: 20 min of Light Aerobic Activity
Activities Include: Exercise bike or walking
Step 2: Moderate Activity
Activities Include: Moderate jogging, brief running, moderate-intensity stationary biking and light weight lifting
Step 3: Heavy, non-contact activity
Activities Include: Running, high-intensity stationary biking, the player’s regular weightlifting routine, and non-contact sport-specific drills.
Step 4: Reintegrate into Full Contact Practice
Step 5: Competition
It is good practice to do each step for only 30 minutes – 1 hour per day. Each of these steps requires a 24 hour time period before moving onto the next step. This allows for proper evaluation for any symptoms that may reoccur.