Concussion

Warning signs: symptoms* requiring an immediate medical evaluation at a hospital emergency department 

• Loss or deterioration of consciousness 

• Confusion 

• Repeated vomiting 

• Convulsions 

• Headaches getting worse 

• Significant drowsiness 

• Difficulty walking, speaking, recognizing people or places 

• Double vision 

• High state of agitation, excessive crying 

• Serious balance problems 

• Weakness, tingling or numbness in arms or legs 

• Intense neck pain 

* Non exhaustive list. 

Frequent symptoms: experienced by the participant or observed by others present 

• Headaches 

• Fatigue, difficulty sleeping 

• Nausea 

• Dizziness, vertigo 

• Feeling slowed down 

• Concentration or memory problems 

• Blurred vision 

• Sensitivity to light or noise 

• Unusually emotional

* Non exhaustive list  

In the presence of warning signs 

If the participant is unconscious: 

• never move the participant, except to clear the respiratory tract; 

• do not remove the participant’s helmet (if applicable), unless you have been trained to do so; 

• obtain transportation to a hospital emergency department for an immediate medical evaluation; 

• document the incident on a tracking sheet (see example in the protocol, below) by writing down the warning signs of the concussion; 

• if the participant is a minor, make sure the parents are informed of the situation as quickly as possible and give them the tracking sheet. 

In the presence of symptoms (even of short duration), without warning signs 

• Document the incident on a tracking sheet (see example in the protocol, below) by questioning the participant about any symptoms and noting his or her answers; 

• If the participant is a minor, make sure the parents are informed of the situation as quickly as possible and give them the tracking sheet; 

• Obtain a medical evaluation; 

• Begin the initial rest period immediately.