Watch for the following:

• A forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head.
• Any change in your behavior, thinking, or physical functioning.

No. A concussion typically involves at least a change or alteration of consciousness of some sort, but an actual loss of consciousness is not required for the diagnosis of concussion. Think Head First

If you think you have experienced a concussion, contact your LHCP for medical care immediately see Treatment Options for more details.

1. Remove athlete from play – look for signs and symptoms of a concussion if your athlete has experienced a bump or blow to the head or body. When in doubt, keep the athlete out of play.
2. Ensure that the athlete is evaluated by a LHCP experienced in evaluating for concussion – do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself. LHCPs have a number of methods that they can use to decide how serious a concussion is. As a coach, recording the following information can help LHCPs in assessing the athlete after the injury:
   • Cause of the injury and force of the hit or blow to the head or body
   • Any loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out) and if so, for how long
   • Any memory loss immediately following the injury
   • Any seizures immediately following the injury
   • Number of previous concussions (if any)
3. Inform the athlete’s parents or guardians about the possible concussion – make sure they know that the athlete should be seen by a LHCP experienced in evaluating for concussion.
4. Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury and until a LHCP, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says they are symptom-free and it’s okay to return to play A “heads up” on managing return to play

Many factors influence the course of recovery from a concussion, including the severity of the concussion, previous history of concussion, physical injury/pain symptoms, and personal history, and so the length of recovery will differ among individuals. Think Head First

The best thing for you to do is follow the instructions from your LHCP. If you still have questions, contact your LHCP for further information.

Concussions cannot be 100% prevented. However, there are things you can do to lower your risk of a concussion. Ensure equipment fits properly, is used correctly, and meets manufacturer standards to help reduce concussion risk. Follow proper techniques, good sportsmanship, and rules of the game. See Prevention for more details.

No. A concussion is a mild brain injury and should be taken seriously. Therefore, symptoms following a concussion should not be viewed as a result of physical or emotional weakness that could be overcome by merely “toughing it out”. Regardless of skill, all concussions should be treated the same. Think Head First.

Ensure equipment fits properly, is used correctly, and meets manufacturer standards to help reduce concussion risk. Talk with your LHCP about any specific product that is available on the market.