Concussion Fact Sheet for Athletes and Coaches, by Stanford Brain Performance Center

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Concussion typically results in the onset of short-lived impairments of neurological function that resolve spontaneously.

Recognizing and Concussion

An Athlete Who…

• Appears dazed or stunned following impact
• Forgets or is confused about an assignment, position, game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes

Symptoms of…

• Headache or “pressure” in head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems, dizziness, or double or blurry vision
• Bothered by light or noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
• Confusion, or concentration or memory problems
• Just not “feeling right”, or “feeling down”

How to Handle a Suspected Concussion

• Remove the athlete from play until cleared by a healthcare provider
• Do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself
• Record events related to the injury, loss of consciousness, memory loss, seizures: and number of previous concussions to help the healthcare provider
• Inform the athlete’s caregiver and coach about a possible concussion right away

Return to Play Progression

• Gradual return to physical and cognitive activity after 2-3 days of rest.
• No contact sports or risky activity until cleared for return by a physician with expertise in sport-related concussion

How to Keep Athletes Safe

• Talk about the importance of reporting
• Create a culture of safety on the team
• Keep up-to-date on concussion information
• Keep emergency contact information handy

Exercise – Sleep – Nutrition

• Early cardio exercise (usually stationary bike or brisk walking/jogging) to support recovery for at least 20 minutes, 4x per week beginning the first week of recovery
• Sleep is likely to be disrupted during concussion recovery – utilize sleep hygiene strategies
• Maintain proper hydration and nutrition to support recovery

Anxiety and Mood

• Track mood and identify triggers that worsen it
• Schedule tasks when you are most efficient and give yourself plenty of time
• Practice relaxation strategies (i.e. deep breathing, visual imagery, muscle relaxation) to reduce dayto-day stress and have a positive outlook
• Go to the nearest emergency department for any severe symtpoms

Risk Factors for More Severe Injury

• Drowsiness or inability to wake up fully
• Headache that persists or worsens
• Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
• Repeated vomiting or seizure
• Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
• Loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out), even if brief