Concussion Information
The availability of this information is required by our Insurance Company
This information sheet is
provided to assist you and your child in recognizing the signs and symptoms of
a concussion. Every child
is different and responds to a brain
injury differently, so seek medical attention if you suspect your child has a
concussion. Once a concussion occurs, it is very important your child return to
normal activities slowly, so he/she does not do more damage to his/her brain.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is an injury to
the brain that may be caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. Concussions
may also happen after a fall or hit that jars the brain. A blow elsewhere on
the body can cause a concussion even if an athlete does not hit his/her head
directly. Concussions can range from mild to severe.
Signs and Symptoms of a
Concussion
Children do
not have to be “knocked out” to have a concussion. In fact, less than 1 out of
10 concussions result in loss of consciousness. Concussion symptoms can develop
right away or up to 48 hours after the injury. Ignoring any signs or symptoms
of a concussion puts your child’s health at risk!
Signs Observed by Coaches,
Parents or Guardians
- Appears dazed, stunned or confused
- Unsure about event, location of name of meet
- Moves clumsily
- Answers questions slowly
- Loses consciousness (even briefly)
- Shows behavior or personality changes – irritability,
sadness, nervousness, emotional
- Can’t recall events before or after incident
Symptoms Reported by Swimmer
- Any headache or “pressure” in head - how badly it
hurts does not matter
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light and/or noise
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
- Concentration or memory problems
- Confusion
- Does not “feel right”
- Trouble falling asleep
- Sleeping more or less than usual
Be Honest
Encourage your child to be honest with
you, his/her coach and your health care provider about his/her symptoms. Many
young children get
caught up in the moment and/or feel pressured to return to sports before they
are ready. It is better to miss practice or meets than the entire season… or
risk permanent damage!
Seek Medical Attention Right
Away
Seeking medical attention on
the day of the event is an important first step if you suspect or are told your
swimmer has a concussion. A qualified health care professional will be able to
determine how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child to
return to sports and other daily activities:
- No swimmer should
return to activity on the same day he/she gets a concussion
- No swimmer may
return to training, regardless of sport, until he/she is cleared by a heath
care professional with a note specifying clearance. Athletes should NEVER
return to the pool if they still have ANY symptoms……. in case a swimmer returns with a note and then during the practice
complains of a headache or other symptoms
- Parents and coaches should never pressure any swimmer to return to play
The Dangers of Returning Too
Soon
Returning to the pool too early
may cause Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) or Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS). SIS
occurs when a second blow to the head happens before a child has completely recovered from a concussion. This second impact causes
the brain to swell, possibly resulting in brain damage, paralysis, and even
death. PCS can occur after a second impact. PCS can result in permanent,
long-term concussion symptoms. The risk of SIS and PCS is the reason why no swimmer should be allowed
to participate in any physical activity before they are cleared by a qualified
health care professional.
Recovery
A concussion can affect school,
work, and sports. Along with coaches and teachers, the school nurse, athletic
trainer, employer, and other school administrators should be aware of the child’s injury and their
roles in helping the child recover. During the recovery time after a
concussion, physical and mental rest is required. A concussion upsets the way
the brain normally works and causes it to work longer and harder to complete
even simple tasks. Activities that require concentration and focus may make
symptoms worse and cause the brain to heal slower. Studies show that children’s
brains take several weeks to heal following a concussion.
- Be sure your child gets plenty of rest and enough
sleep at night – no late nights. Keep the same bedtime weekdays and weekends.
- Encourage daytime naps or rest breaks when your child
feels tired or worn-out.
- Limit your child’s activities that require a lot of
thinking or concentration (including social activities, homework, video games,
texting, computer, driving, job‐related activities, movies, parties). These activities
can slow the brain’s recovery.
- Limit your child’s physical activity, especially those
activities where another injury or blow to the head may occur.
- Have your qualified health care professional check
your child’s symptoms at different times to help guide recovery.
Returning to School
- Your
child may need to initially return to
school on a limited basis, for example for only half-days, at first. This
should be done under the supervision of a qualified health care professional.
- Inform teacher(s), school counselor or
administrator(s) about the injury and symptoms. School personnel should be
instructed to watch for:
a. Increased problems paying attention.
b. Increased problems remembering or learning new
information.
c. Longer time needed to complete tasks or assignments.
d. Greater irritability and decreased ability to cope
with stress.
e. Symptoms worsen (headache, tiredness) when doing
schoolwork. - Be sure your child takes multiple breaks during study
time and watch for worsening of symptoms.
- 4. If your child is still having concussion symptoms,
he/she may need extra help with school‐related activities. As the symptoms decrease during
recovery, the extra help can be removed gradually.
Returning to the Pool
- Returning to the pool is specific for each person. As
an example, California law requires written permission from a health care
provider before an athlete can return to play. Follow instructions and guidance
provided by a health care professional. It is important that you, your child
and your child’s coach follow these instructions carefully.
- Your child should NEVER be on deck, practice, or
participate in competition if he/she still has ANY symptoms. (Be sure that your
child does not have any symptoms at rest and while doing any physical activity
and/or activities that require a lot of thinking or concentration).
- Be sure that the athletic trainer, coach and physical
education teacher are aware of your child’s injury and symptoms.
- Your swimmer should
complete a step-by-step exercise-based progression, under the direction of a
qualified healthcare professional.
Resources:
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention - www.cdc.gov/Concussion
Zurich Concussion Conference
(2012) - Consensus
statement on concussion in sport: the 4th International Conference on Concussion in Sport held
in Zurich, November 2012. http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/47/5/250.full
ODH Violence and Injury
Prevention Program - www.healthyohioprogram.org/concusion
National
Federation of State High School Associations - www.nfhs.org – Index concussions and see “A
parent’s guide to concussion in sports”