CONCUSSION INFORMATION

All Student-Athletes MUST COMPLETE  1 Concussion Parent/Athlete Agreement Signature Form for each School Year (See right sidebar for form links).

What Is a Concussion? A concussion is a type of head (brain) injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even what seems to be a mild bump to the head can be serious. Concussions can have a more serious effect on a young, developing brain and need to be addressed correctly. Consequences of severe brain injury (including concussion) include problems with thinking, memory, learning, coordination, balance, speech, hearing, vision, and emotional changes.

What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion? You cannot see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after an injury or may not appear or be noticed until hours or days after the injury. It is important to watch for changes in how you as an athlete or your child or teen is acting or feeling, if symptoms are getting worse, or if you/they just “don’t feel right.” Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness. If the child or teen reports one or more of the symptoms of concussion listed below, or if you notice the signs or symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away. Children and teens are among those at the greatest risk for concussion.

Children and teens with a suspected concussion should NEVER return to sports or recreation activities on the same day the injury occurred.

If you or your child or teen has signs or symptoms of a concussion seek medical attention right away. A healthcare provider experienced in evaluating for concussion can determine how serious the concussion is and when it is safe to return to normal activities, including physical activity and school (concentration and learning activities). After a concussion, the brain needs time to heal. Activities may need to be limited while recovering. This includes exercise and activities that involve a lot of concentration.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Information

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), while rare, is the leading cause of death in young athletes while training or participating in sport competition. Even athletes who appear healthy and have a normal preparticipation screening may have underlying heart abnormalities that can be life-threatening. A family history of SCA at younger than age 50 or cardiomyopathy (heart muscle problem) places an athlete at greater risk. Athletes should inform the healthcare provider performing their physical examination about their family’s heart history.

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. If this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain, lungs, and other vital organs.

Cardiac arrest usually causes death if it is not treated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and an automated external defibrillator (AED) within minutes.

Cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack. A heart attack occurs if blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked. During a heart attack, the heart usually does not suddenly stop beating. In cardiac arrest the heart stops beating.

Stop activity/exercise immediately if you have any of the warning signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

What warning signs during exercise should athletes/coaches/parents watch out for?

• Fainting/blackouts (especially during exercise)
• Dizziness
• Unusual fatigue/weakness
• Chest pain/tightness with exertion o Shortness of breath
• Nausea/vomiting
• Palpitations (heart is beating unusually fast or skipping beats)

Speak up and tell a coach and parent/guardian if you notice problems when exercising

 If an athlete has any warning signs of SCA while exercising, they should seek medical attention and evaluation from a healthcare provider before returning to a game or practice.

The risk associated with continuing to participate in a youth activity after experiencing warning signs is that the athlete may experience SCA, which usually causes death if not treated with CPR and an AED within minutes.

Concussion Law