CONCUSSION 
A Must Read for Young Athletes 
Let’s Take Brain Injuries Out of Play

CONCUSSION FACTS
A concussion is a brain injury that affects
how your brain works.
A concussion is caused by a blow to the
head or body:
* from contact with another player, hitting a hard surface such as the ground, ice, 
  or court, or
• being hit by a piece of equipment such as a lacrosse stick, hockey puck, or field
  hockey ball.
A concussion can happen even if you haven’t been knocked unconscious.
If you think you have a concussion, you should not return to play on the day of the
  injury and until a health care professional says you are OK to return to play.

WHY SHOULD I REPORT MY SYMPTOMS?
> Unlike with some other injuries, playing or practicing with concussion symptoms is dangerous and can lead to a longer 
  recovery and a delay in your return to play.
> While your brain is still healing, you are much more likely to have another concussion. 
  Repeat concussions can increase the time it takes for you to recover and the likelihood 
  of long term problems.
> In rare cases, repeat concussions in young athletes can result in brain swelling or
  permanent damage to your brain. They can even be fatal.

CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS
Concussion symptoms differ with each person and with each injury, and may not
be noticeable for hours or days. 
Common symptoms include:
* Headache
• Confusion
• Difficulty remembering or paying attention
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
• Feeling irritable, more emotional, or “down”
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bothered by light or noise
• Double or blurry vision
• Slowed reaction time
• Sleep problems
• Loss of consciousness

During recovery, exercising or activities that involve
a lot of concentration (such as studying, working
on the computer, or playing video games) may cause
concussion symptoms to reappear or get worse.

WHY SHOULD I REPORT MY SYMPTOMS?
• Unlike with some other injuries, playing or practicing with concussion symptoms
  is dangerous and can lead to a longer recovery and a delay in your return to play.
• While your brain is still healing, you are much more likely to have another
  concussion. Repeat concussions can increase the time it takes for you to recover
  and the likelihood of long term problems.
• In rare cases, repeat concussions in young athletes can result in brain swelling or
  permanent damage to your brain. They can even be fatal.

What Should I Do if I Think I’ve Had a Concussion?
Don't Hide It. Report it. Ignoring your symptoms and trying to “tough it out” often 
makes symptoms worse. Tell your coach, parent, and athletic trainer if you think you 
or one of your teammates may have a concussion. Don’t let anyone pressure you into
continuing to practice or play with a concussion.

Get checked out. Only a health care professional can tell if you have a concussion and 
when it’s OK to return to play. Sports have injury timeouts and player substitutions 
so that you can get checked out and the team can perform at its best. The sooner
you get checked out, the sooner you may be able to safely return to play.

Take care of your brain. A concussion can affect your ability to do schoolwork and 
other activities. Most athletes with a concussion get better and return to sports, 
but it is important to rest and give your brain time to heal. A repeat concussion 
that occurs while your brain is still healing can cause long-term problems that may 
change your life forever.

All concussions are serious. Don’t hide it, report it. Take time to recover.
It’s better to miss one game than the whole season.