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 • 
being hit by a piece 
another player, of equipment such 
hitting a hard surface as a lacrosse stick, 
such as the ground, hockey puck, or field 
ice, or court, or 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. 
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 • 
Nausea or vomiting 
• 
Confusion • 
Bothered by light 
or noise
• 
Difficulty 
remembering or • 
Double or blurry 
paying attention vision 
• 
Balance problems • 
Slowed reaction 
or dizziness time 
• 
Feeling sluggish, • 
Sleep problems 
hazy, foggy, or 
• 
Loss of 
groggy 

consciousness 

• 
Feeling irritable, 
more emotional, 
or “down” 
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. 
*For more information about concussion and 
other types of traumatic brain injuries, go to 

www.cdc.gov/Concussion 

A part of CDC’s Heads Up series 

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. 
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. 
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. 
Don’t hiDe it, 
RepoRt it. 
get checkeD out. 
take caRe of 
youR bRain. 
What Should I Do if I Think I Have a Concussion? 
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. 
Photo © Tom Zikas 

List of sports logos and participating National Governing Bodies for Sport:
USA Football 
US Lacrosse 
USA Rugby 
USA Baseball 
USA Basketball 
USA Field Hockey 
USA Hockey 
USA Cheer 
USA Softball 
USA Volleyball 
USA Diving 
USA Roller Sports 
USA Cycling 
US Ski and Snowboard Association 
USA Skateboarding 
US Soccer