Head Injuries

Concussion Policy and Information:

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 disrupt the way the brain normally works.  Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications, including prolonged brain damage and death, if not recognized and properly managed.  You can’t see a concussion.  Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.  Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up immediately or may take hours or days to fully appear.  If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice any symptom or sign of concussion, seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms and signs observed by teammates, parents and coaches may include one of more of the following:

Headache
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 slow
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 problems
Forgetful/memory problems
Repeating questions/comments

Appears dazed
Confused about assignment
Unsure of game/score/etc.
Answers questions slowly
Changes behavior/personality
Can’t recall events after hit
Vacant facial expression
Forgets plays
Moves clumsily/uncoordinated
Slurs speech
Seizures or convulsions

Athletes with signs and symptoms of concussion will be removed from training/skiing immediately and must have the signed release of a physician before being allowed to return to ski.  Continuing to train or ski with the signs and symptoms of concussion leaves athletes 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.

If you think your child has suffered a concussion, close observation should occur for several hours.  You should also inform your child’s coach if you think he/she has suffered a concussion.

For current information, go to http://www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports/