A concussion is a brain injury that can occur in any sport with over 400,000 reported concussions in high school athletics during the 2008-09 academic year.  While most injuries sustained in sports, including concussions, heal within a relatively short period of time, head injuries are unique because it's hard to know exactly when an injured brain has completely healed.

A concussion can be caused by a jolt to the body, a blow to the head, or any sudden force that results in a rapid acceleration/deceleration of the brain inside the skull.  The impact of the soft brain against the rigid walls of the skull can cause a change in neurological function and other symptoms depending on which part of the brain was injured.

If not properly managed, concussion can lead to long-term symptoms, and in rare instances, death.

Recognition is the key

All players, coaches, parents, organizers, officials and referees should be educated about the signs and symptoms of concussion so they can:

1.  Recognize the injury

2.  Remove the athlete from activity

3.  Refer to a qualified medical professional for examination prior to allowing the athlete to return to play.

Signs and symptoms of concussion can vary and often don’t present themselves for hours or days after an the injury.  Look for clues immediately and make sure athletes are re-evaluated every few minutes over several hours.  At home, parents should watch for the following symptoms as well as complaints that lights are too bright, noises are too loud, or difficulty concentrating while watching TV or playing video games.  Any of the following signs and symptoms could indicate concussion:

Headache                                                Nausea/vomiting

Dizziness/balance problems            Mentally “foggy”

Seeing stars                                                Stunned/dazed/confused

Memory problems                                    Irritability

Concentration problems                        Mood/personality change

Drowsiness                                                Sensitive to light or noise

Getting a “bell ringer” or “ding”            Loss of consciousness

Treatment for concussion is physical and cognitive rest until symptoms resolve- no sports, no texting, no TV.

Evaluation of symptoms, balance and coordination and cognitive testing are all part of the comprehensive exam at the time of injury as well as for return to play.  Neuropsychological testing comparing baseline data obtained during the pre-season to post-injury data can also be used to assess cognitive function.

Athletes should be symptom-free at rest, with activities including those at school, and with supervised exercise before returning to activity, and must be evaluated and cleared by a medical professional experienced in management of concussion.

The Connecticut Athletic Trainers Association (CATA) fully supports Public Act 10-62, which was signed on May 18, 2010 by Governor M. Jodi Rell.  This statute requires education of coaches, parents and athletes regarding concussion; removal from play of any athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion; written authorization from a medical professional before the athlete can return to practice/game.  Public Act 10-62 is one way of helping to insure that student-athletes who sustain concussions are not permitted to return to play and risk potentially catastrophic consequences.  Adequate medical coverage for middle and secondary school athletics on a daily basis is essential in minimizing the risk and preventing serious complications from sports injuries of all types. Certified athletic trainers are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients, and are educated in concussion management.