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CONCUSSION DANGER SIGNS:
In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in a person with a concussion and crowd the
brain against the skull. A student should receive immediate medical attention if after a bump, blow, or jolt
to the head or body s/he exhibits any of the following danger signs:
One pupil larger than the other
Is drowsy or cannot be awakened
A headache that gets worse
Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
Repeated vomiting or nausea
Slurred speech
Convulsions or seizures
Cannot recognize people/places
Becomes increasingly confused, restless or agitated
Has unusual behavior
Loses consciousness (even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously.)HOW TO RESPOND TO
A REPORT OF A CONCUSSION:
If a student reports one or more symptoms of a concussion after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body,
s/he should be kept out of athletic play the day of the injury. The student should only return to play with
permission from a health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion. During recovery, rest
is key. Exercising or activities that involve a lot of concentration (such as studying, working on the
computer, or playing video games) may cause concussion symptoms to reappear or get worse. Students
who return to school after a concussion may need to spend fewer hours at school, take rests breaks, be
given extra help and time, spend less time reading, writing or on a computer. After a concussion, returning
to sports and school is a gradual process that should be monitored by a health care professional.
Remember: Concussion affects people differently. While most students with a concussion recover quickly
and fully, some will have symptoms that last for days, or even weeks. A more serious concussion can last
for months or longer.
To learn more, go to www.cdc.gov/concussion.