From the CDC: HEAD'S UP! Concussion in High School Sports Guide for Coaches

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Fact Sheet for Athletes

The Facts

• A concussion is a brain injury.

• All concussions are serious.

• Concussions can occur without loss of consciousness.

• Concussions can occur in any sport.

• Recognition and proper management of concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death.

Concussions are sometimes called mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI). They are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can occur in any sport, including these:^{1, 2}

The potential for concussions is greatest in athletic environments where collisions are common.³ Environmental factors also can cause injury. For example, a player may collide with an unpadded goalpost or trip on an uneven playing surface.

Sometimes people do not recognize that a bump, blow, or jolt to the head can cause a concussion. As a result, athletes may receive no medical care at the time of the injury, but they may later report symptoms such as headache and dizziness. These symptoms can be a sign of a concussion.⁴

• An estimated 300,000 sports- and recreation-related head injuries of mild to moderate severity occur in the United States each year.5 Most can be classified as concussions.

• Collegiate and high school football players who have had at least one concussion are at an increased risk for another concussion.^{6, 7}

• A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first—usually within a short period of time (hours, days, or weeks)—reportedly can result in brain swelling, permanent brain damage, and even death. This condition is called second impact syndrome.^{8, 9}
   

Signs and Symptoms

One or more of these signs and symptoms may indicate that a concussion has occurred.¹⁰ Remember that concussions can also occur with no obvious signs or symptoms. Any of the symptoms listed in this table should be taken seriously. Athletes who experience these signs or symptoms after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head should be kept from play until cleared by a health care professional.

PREVENTION AND PREPARATION FOR COACHES

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