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Concussion Awareness: Know the Signs and Symptoms

By National Dizzy & Balance Center, 11/15/12, 3:15PM CST

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Protect your team by catching concussions early and preventing further damage

Over the past month, we have focused on baseline testing and how important it is to concussion awareness.  ImPACT and computerized balance assessment should be utilized before a concussion occurs in order to realize their benefits in making return to play decisions.  How do coaches, parents or players know if a concussion has been sustained though?

Coaches and Parents

There are many signals coaches and parents can look for when assessing if a player has suffered a concussion.  It is important to know what these warning signs are and continuously be looking for them.  Big hits or collisions aren’t the only causes of concussions and spotting the signs isn’t always easy.  Aggressive blows sometimes result in fewer or less noticeable signs and symptoms than less violent impacts.  Here are some indicators to keep an eye on:

  • Appears to be dazed or stunned
  • Is confused about assignment
  • Forgets general hockey plays (breakout, etc…)
  • Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
  • Moves clumsily, displaying less balance or coordination than usual
  • Answers questions slowly
  • Loses consciousness (even temporarily)
  • Shows behavior or personality change
  • Can’t recall events before or after the hit or fall

If one of your players starts showing these signals, it is likely they have suffered a concussion.  The player should be removed from play immediately and evaluated by a trained professional prior to returning. 

Players

Although it will mainly be the coach’s or parent’s responsibility to remove a player with a concussion, it is important to educate and encourage players to report any symptoms.  Players feel the effects of concussions first hand and can help detect them sooner.  The following symptoms are often difficult to observe and should be reported by the player:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Balance problems or dizziness
  • Double or fuzzy vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
  • Change in sleep pattern
  • Concentration or memory problems

In order for players to be an effective part of the diagnosis process, it is critical that coaches and parents empower them by asking questions about these symptoms following any potential head injury.  Players are very capable in describing what they are feeling if given the chance.

Any player reporting or displaying these symptoms needs to be removed from play until they can be evaluated by an experience medical professional.  Only trained physicians are qualified to determine if a concussion has been sustained.  However, it is up to coaches, parents, and players to make the initial call on removal from play to avoid further damage.

Remember, you would rather miss one game than an entire season!

The National Dizzy & Balance Center will answer critical questions regarding concussions throughout the season in the Minnesota Hockey Newsletter. For more information, please visit www.stopdizziness.com or call 952-345-3000.