CONCUSSION

• Concussion: A traumatic injury to tissues of the body such as the brain as a result of a violent blow, shaking, or spinning.

SIGNS OF A CONCUSSIONHeadache from the impact

Dizziness and Confusion

Inability to quickly answer questions about orientation

Poor concentration

Pupils do not react to light

Poor ability to track with eyes

Poor depth perception

Ringing in the ears

Vomiting/Nausea

Sleepiness or Grogginess

Actions uncharacteristic of individual

Clear fluid from nose or ears

CANTU GRADING SYSTEMOF CONCUSSIONSGRADE 1 CONCUSSION: No loss of consciousness; post-

traumatic amnesia or post-concussion signs or symptoms lasting less than 30 minutes

GRADE 2 CONCUSSION: Loss of consciousness lasting less than 1 minute; post-traumatic amnesia or post-concussion signs or symptoms lasting more than 30 minutes but less than 24 hours

GRADE 3 CONCUSSION: Loss of consciousness lasting more than 1 minute or post-traumatic amnesia lasting longer than 24 hours; post-concussion signs and symptoms lasting longer than 7 days

TREATMENT OF A CONCUSSIONAs coach reaches the athlete:1. Check to see if athlete is breathing, has obstructed airway, or is in

cardiac arrest.

2. Note the body position of the athlete, movement of body, or lack thereof

3. If athlete appears unconscious: Attempt to arouse athlete by placing your hands on the shoulders, chest, or upper back of athlete and speak loudly directly towards the athlete’s head.

4. Make a mental note of the time to let health care providers know how long unconscious victim has been unconscious

5. Head and neck should be immobilized with another coach or helper holding the head with both hands to stabilize neck

6. Try to determine if there is a pulse and breath. Look, listen, and feel. If athlete is not breathing, but has a pulse… rescue breathing. If athlete is not breathing and has no pulse… begin CPR if trained.

7. If the athlete appears conscious: The airway is most likely open

TREATMENT OF A CONCUSSIONC – Conscious or Unconscious

E – Extremity Strength (test without moving neck)

M – Mental Function (if conscious)

E – Eye Signs and Movement

P – Pain specific to neck

S – Spasm of neck musculature

DON’T DO THE FOLLOWING

Don’t remove the helmet!

Don’t move the athlete!

Don’t use ammonia capsules!

Don’t rush through the physical exam!

TREATMENT OF A CONCUSSIONC – Conscious or Unconscious

E – Extremity Strength (test without moving neck)

M – Mental Function (if conscious)

E – Eye Signs and Movement

P – Pain specific to neck

S – Spasm of neck musculature

DON’T DO THE FOLLOWING

Don’t remove the helmet!

Don’t move the athlete!

Don’t use ammonia capsules!

Don’t rush through the physical exam!