Signs and symptoms
Athletes do not have to be “knocked out” to suffer a concussion, according to the Ohio Department of Health’s concussion information sheet. Signs include:
■ Confusion about assignment or position.
■ Forgetting plays.
■ Being unsure of game, score or opponent.
■ Moving clumsily.
■ Answering questions slowly.
■ Losing consciousness, even briefly.
■ Showing behavior or personality changes (irritability, sadness, nervousness, feeling more emotional).
■ Failure to recall events before or after hit or fall.
Symptoms reported by athletes can include:
■ Headache or “pressure” in head.
■ Nausea or vomiting.
■ Balance problems or dizziness.
■ Double or blurry vision.
■ Sensitivity to light and/or noise.
■ Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy.
■ Concentration or memory problems.
■ Confusion.
■ Trouble falling asleep.
■ Sleeping more or less than usual.