“A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth.” —CDC, Heads Up: Concussion
Confusion/disorientation/irritability
Trouble resting/getting comfortable
Lack of concentration
Slow response/drowsiness
Incoherent/ slurred speech
Slow/clumsy movements
Loses consciousness
Amnesia/memory problems
Acts silly/combative/aggressive
Repeatedly ask same questions
Dazed appearance
Restless/irritable
Constant attempts to return to play
Constant motion
Disproportionate/inappropriate reactions
Balance problems
Headache or dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Blurred or double vision
Oversensitivity to sound/light/touch
Ringing in ears
Feeling foggy or groggy
State law requires that a coach MUST immediately remove a student-athlete from participating in any intramural or interscholastic athletic activity who: a) is observed to exhibit signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion following a suspected blow to the head or body, or b) is diagnosed with a concussion, regardless of when such concussion or head injury may have occurred. Upon removal of the athlete, a qualified school employee must notify the parent or legal guardian within 24 hours that the student athlete has exhibited signs and symptoms of a concussion.
Currently, it is impossible to accurately predict how long an individual’s concussion will last. There must be full recovery before a student-athlete is allowed to resume participating in athletic activity. Connecticut law now requires that no athlete may resume participation until they have received written medical clearance from a licensed health care professional (physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse [APRN], athletic trainer) trained in the evaluation and management of concussions. Please consult our athletic trainers for more information regarding return to play protocol.
(first 11 minutes of video)