A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Even though most concussions are mild,  	
 	 In other words, even a “ding” or a bump on the head can be serious. You can’t see a concussion and most sports concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek medical attention right away.

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:	
Headaches
“Pressure in head”
Nausea or vomiting
Neck pain
Balance problems or dizziness
Blurred, double, or fuzzy vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Feeling sluggish or slowed down
Feeling foggy or groggy
Drowsiness
Change in sleep patterns	Amnesia
“Don’t feel right”
Fatigue or low energy
Sadness
Nervousness or anxiety
Irritability
More emotional
Confusion
Concentration or memory problems (forgetting game plays)
Repeating the same question/comment	

Appears dazed
Vacant facial expression
Confused about assignment
Forgets plays
Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
Moves clumsily or displays incoordination
Answers questions slowly
Slurred speech
Shows behavior or personality changes
Can’t recall events prior to hit
Can’t recall events after hit
Seizures or convulsions
Any change in typical behavior or personality
Loses consciousness

Signs observed by teammates, parents and coaches include:

What can happen if my child keeps on playing with a concussion or returns too soon?

Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury. There is an increased risk of significant damage from a concussion for a period of time after that concussion occurs, particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one. This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even to severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and even fatal consequences. It is well known that adolescent or teenage athletes will often fail to report symptoms of injuries. Concussions are no different. As a result, education of administrators, coaches, parents and students is the key to student-athlete’s safety.

If you think your child has suffered a concussion

Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the game or practice immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical clearance. Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours. IHSA Policy requires athletes to provide their school with written clearance from either a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches or a certified athletic trainer working in conjunction with a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches prior to returning to play or practice following a concussion or after being removed from an interscholastic contest due to a possible head injury or concussion and not cleared to return to that same contest. In accordance with state law, all IHSA member schools are required to follow this policy.

You should also inform your child’s coach if you think that your child may have a concussion. Remember it’s better to miss one game than miss the whole season. And when in doubt, the athlete sits out.

For current and up-to-date information on concussions you can go to: http://www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports/

Student-athlete Name Printed	Student-athlete Signature	Date

Parent or Legal Guardian Printed	Parent or Legal Guardian Signature	Date