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What is a concussion?
A concussion is a head injury from a blow to the head or fall to the ground. In rare cases the skull will fracture but in most cases the brain bangs against the inside of the skull and can be bruised (called a concussion) or damaged.

What might I feel after having a concussion?

What should I do?
Make sure you get lots of rest. Avoid taking medication unless acetaminophen or other medications are prescribed by a physician. If you have any neck pain, you should ice your neck for 15 minutes. You can resume normal activities of daily living as tolerated, but avoid activities that increase symptoms.

When can I go back to playing?
You should never return to play while you have any signs of concussion, like headache or dizziness. Each athlete will be evaluated individually but MAY NOT return to practice without clearance from the team Doctor and confirmed by the ATC.

What are the risks of returning to play too early?
Secondary Impact Syndrome occurs when an athlete sustains a second head impact - even a minor one - before symptoms of a previous concussion have fully cleared. This syndrome leads to rapid brain swelling, coma and death in nearly 50% of victims. Never return to a sports activity until you are cleared by a Doctor and confirmed by the ATC.

Contact your doctor or emergency department right away if you have any of these danger signs:

If you have any questions please talk to your doctor, or you can contact Kirk Conception, our Athletic Training Coordinator during the day at Hayashida and Associates 805.685.1755. In the evenings or on weekends, call Kristy Lash (ATC) on her cell phone 512.680.7408.