The signs and symptoms of concussion usually start at the time of the injury but the onset of these may be delayed for up to 24–48 hours. Parents/guardians, family members and friends should be aware of the signs and symptoms of a concussed player.
If a player has ANY ONE of the signs and symptoms they MUST be immediately removed from activity and MUST NOT return until they have completed the graduated return to play (GRTP) protocol.
What is concussion?
- Concussion is a traumatic brain injury. It is a complex process in which forces are transmitted to the brain and result in temporary impairment of brain function.
- Concussion can have a significant impact on the short and long term health of player if not managed correct
What are the visible clues of a suspected concussion?
- Lying motionless on ground
- Slow to get up
- Unsteady on feet
- Balance problems or falling over
- Grabbing/Clutching head
- Dazed, blank or vacant look
- Confused/Not aware of plays or events
- Suspected or confirmed loss of consciousness
- Loss of responsiveness
What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure or convulsion
- Balance problems
- Nausea ‘(feeling sick) or vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Player is more emotional
- Irritability
- Sadness
- Fatigue or low energy
- Player is more nervous or anxious
- Confusion
- “Don’t feel right”
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Feeling slowed down
- “Pressure in head”
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Amnesia
- Feeling like “in a fog“
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