Concussions: If in doubt, sit them out!

  Head injuries may initially seem insignificant, so it’s vital to understand when it’s right to take someone out of the game

Concussions happen! They are often an unavoidable risk in many youth sports and, unfortunately, they can have long-term impacts on young athletes in areas such as memory, health, learning, and even their survival.

Young athletes – especially kids and teens – often do not recognize their own limitations, especially when they have a concussion. It is your responsibility as a parent or coach to help recognize the signs and make the necessary call to pull an athlete out of the game if you think that he or she might have a concussion. 

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury 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 rapidly back and forth. This jarring movement of the brain causes the damage and creates chemical changes in the brain, increasing its vulnerability to further injury.

It is this fact that makes recognizing and responding properly to a probable concussion vital to the athlete’s long-term health. Remember, you cannot see a concussion like you can see a broken arm, and there is no one single indicator for a concussion. Recognizing a concussion requires being observant for multiple signs and symptoms.

Below are the “Danger Signs” that require immediate medical attention at the closest Emergency Room:

• One pupil larger than the other

• Convulsions or seizures

• Drowsiness or inability to wake up

• Inability to recognize people or places

• A headache that gets worse and does not go away

• Increasing confusion, restlessness, or agitation

• Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination

• Unusual behavior

• Repeated vomiting or nausea

• Loss of consciousness

If any of the Danger Signs are observed in a player, he or she should be immediately removed from play and taken to an Emergency Room to be seen by a qualified physician. Below lists signs and symptoms that are indicative of a concussion in a player following a possible blow or jolt to the head:

 Signs observed by coaching staff/parents

• Appears dazed or stunned

• Is confused about assignment or position

• Forgets an instruction

• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent

• Moves clumsily

• Answers questions slowly

• Loses consciousness (even briefly)

• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes

• Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall

• Can’t recall events after hit or fall

 Symptoms reported by athletes

• Headache or “pressure” in head

• Nausea or vomiting

• Balance problems or dizziness

• Double or blurry vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Sensitivity to noise

• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy

• Concentration or memory problems

• Confusion

• Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down”

Imagine now that you have just observed a sign or have been told a symptom indicative of someone suffering a concussion. What should be the immediate and long-term plan?

 Supervision: First and foremost the athlete needs to be removed from play and put under supervision to monitor for further signs/symptoms.

 Evaluation: Next, the athlete should be evaluated by a healthcare professional experienced in evaluating concussions. Coaches need to inform parents/guardians immediately following concussion-like signs/symptoms, especially if they were not present for the game.

 Clearing for play: The athlete should remain out of play until cleared by a healthcare professional.

 Continued assessment: Continuing to assess the athlete over time is vital because the full effect of the injury may not become noticeable at first, and some symptoms may not show up for hours or days.

“Toughing it out” is not strong; it is dangerous and foolish.  This stigma is wrong, and it can put a young athlete at risk for serious injury. Coaches and parents should not let others (fans, parents, or teammates) pressure you or the injured athlete to continue playing. Let the doctor decide when the athlete can return to play.

Being informed is the best defense. Parents and athletes should sign a concussion policy statement at the beginning of each season, and time should be spent explaining the seriousness of concussions and how to recognize and deal with them accordingly as a team – meaning a team of players, parents, and coaches. This helps all involved to acknowledge the risks, signs and symptoms, and to make a plan for when a concussion is suspected.

In Beijing, in an emergency, go to a facility with board-certified physicians whom you trust. Not all head injuries need medical imaging performed, but it is preferred to go to an institution with immediate CT scan capability and with physicians trained in the appropriate indications for deciding whether to perform a CT scan.

Remember: when in doubt, sit them out!

If assistance is needed with an emergency, call the Beijing United Family Emergency Department at [phone].

Contact us

Beijing United Family Hospital
24hr Service Center: 4008-919191

Address:2 Jiangtai Road, 

Chaoyang District, Beijing

United Family 

New Hope Oncology Center
Make an appointment: [phone]

Address: 9-11, Jiangtai Xi Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing