Mus Pre-Participation Medical History Form - 2016-2017 (Page 6 of 8) in pdf

CONCUSSION DANGER SIGNS

In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in a person with a concussion and crowd the

brain against the skull. An athlete should receive immediate medical attention after a bump, blow or jolt to

the head or body if s/he exhibits any of the following danger signs:

• One pupil larger than the other

• Is drowsy or cannot be awakened

• A headache that not only does not diminish, but gets worse

• Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination

• Repeated vomiting or nausea

• Slurred speech

• Convulsions or seizures

• Cannot recognize people or places

• Becomes increasingly confused, restless or agitated

• Has unusual behavior

• Loses consciousness (even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously)

WHY SHOULD AN ATHLETE REPORT HIS OR HER SYMPTOMS?

If an athlete has a concussion, his/her brain needs time to heal. While an athlete’s brain is still healing,

s/he is much more likely to have another concussion. Repeat concussions can increase the time it takes

to recover. In rare cases, repeat concussions in young athletes can result in brain swelling or permanent

damage to their brains. They can even be fatal.

Remember:

Concussions affect people differently. While most athletes with a concussion recover quickly and fully,

some will have symptoms that last for days, or even weeks. A more serious concussion can last for months

or longer.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOUR ATHLETE HAS A CONCUSSION?

If you suspect that an athlete has a concussion, remove the athlete from play and seek medical attention.

Do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself. Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury and

until a health care provider* says s/he is symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play.

Rest is key to helping an athlete recover from a concussion. Exercising or activities that involve a lot of

concentration such as studying, working on the computer or playing video games may cause concussion

symptoms to reappear or get worse. After a concussion, returning to sports and school is a gradual

process that should be carefully managed and monitored by a health care professional.

* Health care provider means a Tennessee licensed medical doctor, osteopathic physician, clinical neuropsychologist, or athletic

trainers with concussion training.

Mus Pre-Participation Medical History Form - 2016-2017 Page 6