Awareness | Englewood Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, P.C.
Awareness

The concussion authority

Awareness

Recognition and proper management of concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death.

1.

What to do if you suspect your child/athlete has a concussion

Never ignore a bump or blow to the head‚ even if the child/athlete feels fine.

Make sure the child/athlete is supervised for at least one or two hours after you suspect a concussion.

If there is any chance your child/athlete has sustained a concussion‚ take him/her out of play and seek the advice of a healthcare professional immediately.

If your child/athlete has had a concussion‚ they need time to get better; their brain needs time to heal. While they are healing‚ they are much more likely to get a second concussion‚ which can cause damage to their brain.

It is important for them to refrain from play until a doctor gives their approval.

2.

Preventing concussions

Follow the rules of the sport.

Always practice good sportsmanship.

Use the correct protective equipment and make sure it fits your child/athlete properly. This includes helmets‚ padding‚ shin guards‚ and eye and mouth guards.

For the equipment to protect your child/athlete‚ it must be:

The right equipment for the game and position.

Worn properly and fit correctly.

Worn every time he/she plays.

3.

The facts

A concussion is a brain injury.

All concussions are serious.

Concussions can occur without loss of consciousness.

Concussions can occur in any sport.

Recognition and proper management of concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death.