How can I help keep my child safe? Work with their coach to teach ways to lower the chance of concussion, talk with your child about concussion and encourage them to report one, make sure they follow the coach's safety rules and the rules of the sport, and expect good sportsmanship at all times. There is no “concussion-proof” helmet, so even with one it is important to avoid hits to the head.
Signs observed by parents or coaches: appears dazed or stunned; forgets an instruction or is confused about an assignment, the game, the score, or the opponent; moves clumsily; answers questions slowly; loses consciousness, even briefly; shows mood, behavior, or personality changes; can't recall events before or after the hit or fall.
Symptoms reported by children and teens: headache or pressure in the head; nausea or vomiting; balance problems, dizziness, or double or blurry vision; bothered by light or noise; feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy; confusion, or concentration or memory problems; just not feeling right, or feeling down.
Danger signs: call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency department right away if after a bump, blow, or jolt your child has one pupil larger than the other; drowsiness or an inability to wake up; a headache that gets worse and does not go away; slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination; repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions, or seizures; unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation; or any loss of consciousness. Even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously.
If you think your child has a concussion: remove them from play and keep them out the day of the injury. They should be seen by a health care provider and only return to play with permission from a provider experienced in evaluating for concussion. Do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself. Some symptoms may not show up for hours or days, and returning too soon raises the chance of another, more serious concussion.
Source: CDC HEADS UP. See also the VHSL concussion resources.
