Concussion Information
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a disturbance in brain function caused by a direct or indirect force to the head. It
results in a variety of non-specific signs and/or symptoms and most often does not involve loss
of consciousness. A concussion should be suspected in the presence of any
one or more of the following:
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Symptoms (e.g. headache) or
Physical signs (e.g., unsteadiness), or
Impaired brain function (e.g., confusion) or
Abnormal behavior (e.g., change in personality)
Athletes suspected of having a concussion will be removed from play, and
seek medical evaluation.
NOTE: The following information are tips and guidelines for any athlete and/or
athlete’s family or friends to whom has been suspected of a concsussion.
CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR THE PLAYER
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REST- Get your full rest of 8 hours of sleep every night. Get to bed early and do not stay up late.
NUTRITION – Do not skip meals. Your brain needs nourishment to help the healing process.
Foods rich in carbohydrates are best.
AVOID SITUATIONS THAT INCREASE YOUR SYPMTOMS!!!!!
 Light sensitivity – wear dark glasses and keep the lights in the room dim.
 Loud noises – Keep music volume low in speakers/ headphones, and avoid noisy
crowds.
 Reading fine print – Enlarge the print on the computer screen and/or change the contrast
to decrease the sensory input of the brain. Limit the time you are reading.
 Problem solving – Do not challenge your brain with large amounts of homework.
 Headache – Stop activity if your headache is getting worse.
 Video games – Do not play video games when you have a concussion. The changing of
screens, noise, and thinking required to play will increase your concussion receovery
time.
 NO TEXTING!!!!!!
 Physical activity – As long as you have symptoms of a concusssion, physical activity that
increases your heart rate, changes your blood pressure, chalenges your balance, or
changes the position of the head will increase the recovery time of a concussion. DO
NOT do any physical activity that increase your symptoms.
 DO NOT use alcohol or other drugs that intefere with the brain function.
 Medication – Tylenol (Acetaminophen) is the only medication recommended after a
concussion. Other medications, unless directed by a physician may prolong your
symptoms and increase the recovery time.
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CONCUSSION
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MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL MONITORING THE ATHLETE
The injured athlete should never be left alone for the first 24 hours after the inury, and should be
awakened every two hours in the evening to establish arousability and alertness.
The following signs (physical) & symptoms (complaints) require immediate emergency
room/medical attention:
Signs
Symptoms
Blood or watery fluid (cerebral spinal fluid) coming
from the ears or nose
Unequal or dilated pupils
Weakness or clumsiness in arms or legs
Slurred or garbled speech
Asymmetry of the face
Increased swelling along the scalp
Change in conciousness (hard to arouse, irritable, or
stuporus)
Change inmental status (inability to concentrate or
understand directions, alteration in alertness or conciousness)
Unequal or dilated pupils
Severe headache
Increased incoordination or weakness
Vomiting
Loss of memory
Difficulty with speech
NOTE: REALIZE THE ABOVE ARE ONLY GUIDELINES TO ASSIST YOU. IF A SIGN OR SYMPTOM DEVELOPS,
THAT IS NEW AND IS NOT MENTIONED ABOVE , TAKE THE CONSERVATIVE APPROACH. C ALL 911 AND/ OR
THE ATHLETE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM TO BE EVALUATED BY A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY .
CALL 911!!!!
Questions/Comments contact us: (650) 574 – 6451 or fitzgeraldp@smccd.edu
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