Katie Brewer, Glendale Falcons (2010)

First some definitions and resources from the Centers For Disease Control (CDC).

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?
A concussion is an injury that changes how the cells in the brain normally work. A concussion is caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

Download this Concussions Fact Sheet from the CDC to have handy for diagnosing a possible problem.

SIGNS OBSERVED BY COACHING STAFF
• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused about assignment or position
• Forgets sports plays
• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows behavior or personality changes
• Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
• Can’t recall events after hit or fall

SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY ATHLETE
• Headache or “pressure” in head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy,
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion
• Does not “feel right”

There is pending legislation in the Missouri related to High School concussions.

ST. LOUIS, MO. (KCUR) – St. Louis area medical professionals are throwing their support behind a bill making its way through the Missouri legislature. The bill would help protect high school athletes from concussions.

Among other measures, the High School Sports Brain Injury Prevention Act would require student athletes to be cleared by a doctor before returning to play or practice. It’s currently awaiting a committee vote in the Missouri House of Representatives.

CDC Injury Prevention and Control – Traumatic Brain Injury

Wall Street Journal – Ben Roethlisberger’s Concussion and the Risks of Youth Sports

US Soccer has also looked at the issue and offers the following basic outline on prevention and care

You don’t have to be “knocked out” in order to have a concussion. There are many other clues to look for that might indicate the brain is stunned including headache, confusion, memory trouble, nausea, poor balance, vision problems, and trouble concentrating.

An athlete should never return to play or even exercise while experiencing any concussion symptoms. In fact, anyone suspected of having suffered a concussion should not play again that same day even if symptoms clear up quickly. Remember the adage “when in doubt, sit them out”.

An athlete with a concussion should be evaluated by a medical doctor who can rule out other serious problems and then guide the gradual return to sports. The road back requires several days and should always be taken even more slowly with kids because young, developing brains may be more vulnerable. A general plan consists of a period of physical and mental rest followed by a trial of aerobic exercise such as running then solo soccer drills. If each step is performed without any symptoms or problems with brain function, it’s time to progressively reintroduce heading. The US Soccer protocol involves practice on a ball tossed from six yards away one day, then from no more than eighteen yards out the next day, then finally on balls thrown from beyond 18 yards on day 3. If the player can perform each step without any symptoms then he or she can resume full practice with the team.