A concussion by definition comes from it's latin root and means 'to shake violently'. It is traditionally thought that a concussion can only occur as a result of a violent blow to the head that results in a loss of consciousness. However 90% of concussion DO NOT result in loss of consciousness. In fact a concussion is any incident such as a shaking, spinning, a direct or indirect blow to the head that causes a temporary loss of brain function including alteration in physical, emotional or mental status. The changes in mental status can be immediate or delayed. Aspects of mental status that can be affected include thinking, vision, equilibrium, balance or consciousness. Anyone in the general population can endure a concussion and can seek the Florida Hospital Sports Concussion Program for help; however the program specializes in sports-related concussions.
Management of sports-related concussion is evolving within the medical community. In recent years, there has been a significant amount of research into sports-related concussions and their short and long-term effects in high school athletes. Florida Hospital Sports Concussion program strives to provide education about concussions to parents, coaches, athletes and local physicians in the community.
In addition to recent research, there are two (2) primary documents were consulted in developing the Florida Hospital Sports Concussion protocol. The “Summary and Agreement Statement of the 2nd International Conference on Concussion in Sport, Prague 2004” (referred to in this document as the Prague Statement), and the “National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Management of Sport-Related Concussion” (referred to in this document as the NATA Statement).
Signs and Symptoms
All signs and symptoms will not be present in every person. No one concussion will be identical to another and each sign and symptom should be noted.
Headache
Dizziness
Ringing in ears
Vision problems
Sensitivity to light and/or sound
Nausea
Feeling sluggish
Feeling groggy
Loss of consciousness*
Loss of coordination and balance
Decreased mental function
Loss of memory
Slurred speech
Different sized pupils
Fever
Altered behavior/personality
Vomiting
Seizures
incontinence
*Loss of consciousness (LOC) is relatively rare and occurs in less than* 10% of concussive injuries
