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 can 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 managed properly. In other words, even a “ding” or
a bump on the head can be serious. You can’t see a concussion and most sports concussions
occur without loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right
after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. If your child reports any symptoms of
concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek medical
attention right away.

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:
Headaches • Amnesia • “Pressure in head” • “Don’t feel right” • Nausea or vomiting • Fatigue or low energy • Neck pain • Sadness • Balance problems or dizziness • Nervousness or anxiety • Blurred, double, or fuzzy vision • Irritability • Sensitivity to light or noise • More emotional • Feeling sluggish or slowed down • Confusion • Feeling foggy or groggy • Concentration or memory problems • Drowsiness (forgetting game plays) • Change in sleep patterns • Repeating the same question/comment

Signs observed by teammates, parents and coaches include:
Appears dazed
Vacant facial expression
Confused about assignment
Forgets plays
Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
Moves clumsily or displays in coordination
Answers questions slowly
Slurred speech
Shows behavior or personality changes
Can’t recall events prior to hit
Can’t recall events after hit
Seizures or convulsions
Any change in typical behavior or personality
Loses consciousness

What can happen if my child keeps on playing with a concussion or returns too
soon?

Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play
immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the
young athlete 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. It is well known that adolescent or teenage athlete will
often under report symptoms of injuries. And concussions are no different. As a result,
education of administrators, coaches, parents and students is the key for student athlete’s safety.

If you think your child has suffered a concussion
Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the game or
practice immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or
concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical
clearance. Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours.
Omaha Lightning requires the consistent and uniform implementation of long and well-established return to play concussion guidelines that have been recommended for several years:
“a youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in a
practice or game shall be removed from competition at that time”
And
“...may not return to play until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed heath care
provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussion and received
written clearance to return to play from that health care provider”.
You should also inform your child’s coach if you think that your child may have a concussion.
Remember, it’s better to miss one game than miss the whole season. And when in doubt, the
athlete sits out.

For current and up-to-date information on concussions you can go to:

http://www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports/