Concussion is a change in a players level of consciousness or confusion following a blow to the head.
Memory, concentration, ability to think and coordination may be affected. Amnesia (loss of memory) may also occur.
Due to an impaired reaction time and a delay in the ability to process information it maybe dif cult for the player to understand they may have a potential serious injury and are at risk of sustaining further head or bone injury.
If a player continues to play with the symptoms of concussion the effects may be prolonged. This may also increase the chance of developing the ‘post-concussive syndrome’ in which fatigue, difficulty in concentration and headaches persist for some time, often months, following their original injury.
Concussion should be suspected in the presence of any one or more of the following symptoms such as:
- physical signs such as unsteadiness or
- impaired brain function (e.g. confusion or abnormal behaviour)
Symptoms of concussion
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure or convulsion
- Neck Pain
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Feeling slowed down
- Feeling like you are ‘in a fog’
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty remembering
- Fatigue or low energy
- Feeling of ‘pressure in head’
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems
- Sensitivity to noise
- ‘Don’t feel right’
- Irritability and drowsiness
- More emotional
- Nervous or anxious