Concussion and Head Injury Information

Wis. Stat. 5 118.293 Concussion and Head Injury

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 greatest risk for concussion.

These are some SIGNS of concussion (what others can see in an injured athlete):

• Dazed or stunned appearance      
• Unsure of score, game, opponent
• Clumsy
•  Answers more slowly than usual   Shows behavior or personality changes
•  Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
•  Repeats questions
•  Forgets class schedule or assignments

Children and teens with a suspected concussion should NEVER return to sports or recreation activities on the same day the injury occurred.
They should delay returning to their activities until a healthcare provider experienced in evaluating for concussion says it is OK to return to play. This means, until permitted, not returning to:
o    Physical Education (PE) class o Sports practices or games o Physical activity at recess

 These are some of the more common SYMPTOMS of concussion (what an injured athlete feels):

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizzy or unsteady
• Sensitive to light or noise or blurry vision   Difficulty thinking clearly, concentrating, or remembering o Irritable, sad, or feeling more emotional than usual o Sleeps more or less than usual

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.
 

Information adapted from the centers for Disease Control and Prevention's CDC Heads U Saf Brain. S. 

For more informaion view the CDCs Heads Up to Youth Sports webpages for athletes, parents, and coaches.