Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports
A Fact Sheet for Parents
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| What is a Concussion? |
| A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a "ding," "getting your bell rung," or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. |
| You can't see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away. |
| What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion? |
| Signs Observed by Parents or Guardians |
| If your child has experienced a bump or blow to the head during a game or practice, look for any of the following signs and symptoms of a concussion: |
| • 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 behavior or personality changes |
| • Can't recall events prior to hit or fall |
| • Can't recall events after hit or fall |
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| Symptoms Reported by Athlete |
| • Headache or "pressure" in the 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 |
| • Does not "feel right" |
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| How can You help your child prevent a concussion? |
| Every sport is different, but there are steps your children can take to prevent themselves from concussion. |
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Ensure that they follow their coach's rules for safety and the rules of the sport. |
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Encourage them to practice good sportsmanship at all times. |
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Make sure they wear the right protective equipment for their activity (such as helmets, padding, shin guards, and eye and mouth guards). Protective equipment should fit properly, be well maintained, and be worn consistently and correctly. |
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Learn the signs and symptoms of concussion. |
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| What should you do if you think you have sustained a head injury, or have been told you have a concussion? |
| Step 1. |
The athlete should be evaluated immediately by a health care professional. Health Care Professionals are defined as Physicians, Neurologists, Emergency Room Physicians, Team Physicians, or an Athletic Trainer(ATC) and a Team Physician. |
| Once the Athlete’s medical condition has been deemed stable by one of the Health Care Professionals, you may proceed with one of the following two options: |
| Step 2. |
Contact the Arizona Sports Concussion Center for your post injury ImPACT concussion testing. AZSCC will administer the test, and schedule your visit with Dr. David Carfagno (Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute) for examination and review of the test results.
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Contact Dr. David Carfagno’s office directly to schedule your ImPACT test and medical examination. Dr Carfagno’s office may elect to send you over to ASCC for ImPACT concussion testing prior to your exam, depending on scheduling.
Dr. David Carfagno can be reached: 480-664-4615 |
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Please note: Dr. Carfagno may recommend another Sports Medicine Physician trained in the ImPACT concussion test should geographical concerns exist. |
The ImPACT test is not a diagnostic tool in itself. It is a test that facilitates an evaluation by physicians or neuropsychologists that are experts in the field of concussion. |
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Be sure to read the FAQ's section of this web site which can educate parents and athletes more about the truths and myths of head injuries.
* Information provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) |
