A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow or jolt that makes the brain move quickly inside the skull. In football, any player suspected of a concussion should be removed from play immediately and not return that day until evaluated by a qualified health professional.
Signs and symptoms
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical | Headache, nausea, dizziness, balance problems, sensitivity to light or noise |
| Cognitive | Confusion, memory problems, feeling foggy, slowed reactions |
| Emotional | Irritability, sadness, anxiety |
| Sleep | Sleeping more or less than usual, trouble falling asleep |
Seek emergency care for loss of consciousness, worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, weakness or numbness, slurred speech, or increasing confusion.
What to do
- Remove the player from play. When in doubt, sit them out.
- Have them evaluated by a qualified health professional.
- Rest initially, then a gradual return to school and daily activity as advised.
- Return to play only after medical clearance, following a stepwise protocol.
Stepwise return to sport
Many protocols progress from symptom-limited activity to light aerobic exercise, sport-specific drills, non-contact training, full-contact practice and finally game play, with at least 24 hours between steps and a return to the previous step if symptoms come back.
Prevention
- Teach tackling with the head out of contact.
- Limit full-contact practice.
- Ensure helmets fit properly.
- Encourage players to report symptoms.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of a doctor or athletic trainer and your league’s concussion protocol.
Frequently asked questions
Can a player return to the same game after a concussion?
No, they should not return on the same day.
Do you have to lose consciousness to have a concussion?
No, most concussions happen without loss of consciousness.
How long does recovery take?
Many people recover within a few weeks, but it varies, and some take longer.
