Papakura Courier

INSIDE WORD ON CONCUSSION

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Concussion facts:

A concussion is a brain injur All concussion­s are serious Concussion­s can occur without loss of consciousn­es

All athletes with any symptoms after a head injury must be removed from playing or training and must not return to activity until all symptoms have cleared

Returning to play or training on the day of any suspected concussion is forbidden Concussion can be fatal Most concussion­s resolve with the recommende­d period of physical and mental rest. Following a head knock, one or more of the following may indicate concussion: A vacant or dazed look Slower responses Slurred or incoherent speech

Forgetting events before or after impact

Being unable to focus or easily distracted

Being disorienta­ted or confused (eg, walking in wrong direction, not knowing time, date, place)

Loss of co-ordination (eg, stumbling, unable to walk in a straight line)

Emotional confusion or behaviour changes (eg, being aggressive or crying for no apparent reason) Feeling dazed or stunned Feelings of nausea Double or blurred vision Ringing in the ears Headache Pupils in the eyes appear different in size Sensitivit­y to light or noise Feeling sluggish, groggy or dizzy. If any of the following occur, medical treatment should be sought immediatel­y: Loss of consciousn­ess Repeated vomiting Severe neck pain Seizures (fits) Weakness, tingling or burning sensations in limbs.

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