Concussion Guide

Identifying a potential concussion

A person cannot be properly diagnosed with a concussion until they have been seen by a medical professional, but listed below are some of the common indicators:

• 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, behaviour, or personality changes
• Can’t recall events prior/after hit or fall

Dealing with a suspected concussion

So long as the symptoms are not severe (see below ‘Warning Signs’), a person suspected of having a concussion should be seen by a medical professional within a week of their injury. Prior to any appointment, it is important to follow this guide:

• Ensure someone is able to look after any person with a suspected concussion as problems can arise in the first 24 hours
• Rest (physically and mentally)
• Avoid excessive use of devices that may overload the brain e.g. TV, mobile phone or computer
• No driving until medically cleared
• No training or playing sport of any kind until medically cleared
• Do not consume alcohol
• If necessary, simple pain relief (Panadol / Paracetamol) may be used
• Do not use other non-prescription drugs without medical supervision, that means:
  • No sleeping tablets
  • No aspirin, anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. Nurofen/ Ibuprofen) or sedating pain killers

Sleeping

• Someone should monitor the person while sleeping for the first night
• Do not sleep for the first 4 hours after a suspected concussion. After this, they may go to sleep normally, but if anything strange is noticed in their sleeping (e.g. loud snoring) they should be woken up and spoken to before being allowed to go back to sleep
• If there is concern about the severity of the blow, the carer should wake them gently every 2 hours and them answer a simple yes/no question
• The person should wake normally in the morning. If they don’t, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Warning Signs

If any of the following symptoms are identified, immediate medical attention should be sought:

• Neck pain
• Deteriorating conscious state
• Increasing confusion or irritability
• Seizure or convulsion
• Double vision
• Severe or increasing headache
• Repeated vomiting (more than twice)
• Unusual behaviour change
• Weakness or tingling / burning in arms or legs