Concussion Information for Parents
The following information is for parents whose child has sustained a concussion during athletics. Although concussions are not life threatening and usually do not warrant an emergency room visit, you should monitor your child for signs of a more serious head injury which would require prompt medical attention.
Signs of a more serious head injury (emergency room visit)
Be alert for signs and symptoms that worsen over time. Your child should go to an emergency room immediately if he/she has one or more of the following symptoms:
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• Loss of Consciousness |
• Severe headache that worsens with time |
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• Slurred Speech |
• Extreme drowsiness or cannot be awakened |
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• Repeated vomiting or nausea |
• Difficulty recognizing people or places |
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• Weakness or numbness |
• Convulsions or seizures |
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• Weakness on one side of the body |
• One pupil is larger than the other |
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• Increasing confusion, restlessness, or agitation
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• Clear fluid or blood draining from the ears or nose – Do not attempt to stop drainage! |
Signs of a Concussion (non-life threatening)
The following is a list of general symptoms expected when a concussion has occurred. Your child may have one or more of these symptoms. Symptoms should improve with time; however, depending upon the severity of the concussion, they may linger for several days or even weeks.
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PHYSICAL |
COGNITIVE |
BEHAVIORAL |
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• Headache
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• Problems with attention |
• Irritability |
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• Dizziness |
• Impaired judgment |
• Anxiety |
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• Sensitivity to light or noise |
• Memory impairment |
• Depression |
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• Ringing in the ears |
• Decrease in social |
• Change in personality |
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• Problems sleeping |
• Restlessness |
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• Nausea |
• Aggression |
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• Mood swings |
Steps to follow:
1. If you are in doubt about your child’s condition, take him/her to the emergency room for evaluation.
2. If it is not necessary to take your child to the emergency room, you should monitor your child for the remainder of the evening watching for signs of a more serious head injury.
3. Do NOT administer aspirin to your child. Aspirin thins the blood and may worsen a more serious head injury. If your child is not allergic to Tylenol or Ibuprofen, you may administer these over the counter medications for pain relief.
4. Consider waking your child periodically throughout the night to check for signs of a more serious head injury.
5. When your child is able to return to school, he/she will need to see the Athletic Trainers at the south campus. The Athletic Trainers are located at the East end of the South Campus, near the tennis courts.
6. The Athletic Trainers will review the UIL Concussion Management Protocol for Return to Play with both the athlete and the parent. The Athletic Trainers will explain concussion facts and detail the requirements and procedures for return to play.
7. Your child will need to see a physician of your choice before he/she may return to play.
If you do not have a physician preference, our team physicians at Deer Park Family Clinic have open lines of communication with the district Athletic Trainers and are familiar with our Concussion Return to Play protocol.
