What does the CDC say you should if an athlete incurs concussion: If you suspect that an athlete has a concussion, implement your 4-step action plan: 1. Remove the 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. 2. Ensure that the athlete is evaluated by a health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussions. Do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself. Health care professionals have a number of methods that they can use to assess the severity of concussions. As a coach or parent, recording the following information can help health care professionals is 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 - if so for how long * Any Seizures immediately following the injury * Any previous concussions and if so how many and when 3. Inform the athletes parents or guardians about the possible concussion and give them the fact sheet on concussions. Make sure they know that the athlete should be seen by a health care professional experienced in evaluating for a concussion. 4. Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussions, says they are symptom-free and its ok to return to play: A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first - usually within a short period of time (hours, days, or even weeks) - can slow recovery or increase the likelihood of having long-term problems. In rare cases, repeat concussions can result in edema (brain swelling), permanent brain damage, and even death.
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 20:32:57 +0000