See the Signs

You can collaborate with the responsible adults in a young person’s life to share observations and alert each other when a young person shows signs of a concussion. By working together, licensed health care professionals, family, and academic and coaching staff can help recognize concussions early, which will enable you to manage treatment effectively and ensure the youth gets the care, time, and rest essential for recovery.

Vacant stare. Slow to answer questions or follow instructions. Easily distracted. Disoriented — can’t focus attention or is unaware of time, date, and place. Slurred or incoherent speech. Photophobia. Memory deficits — repeatedly asks the same questions, can’t remember events prior to injury, can’t remember events after injury. Gross incoordination — can’t walk a straight line. Emotions out of proportion to the situation. Loss of consciousness. Seizures. Nystagmus.

Reduced play. Reduced activity. Difficulty completing chores. Depression Sleep Disruption. Loss of interest in preferred activities. Unusual irritability toward: Parents. Siblings. Boyfriends / girlfriends.

Difficulties with concentrating. Difficulties with focus. Difficulties remembering assignments. Difficulties tolerating the environment. Fatigue. Drop in grades. Drop in attendance.