= 1,000 high school students

CLEARING UP CONCUSSIONSThe trials and triumphs of a Friday night on the high school gridiron can remain with an athlete for a lifetime. So, too, can something that’s

difficult to detect and often considered a reward of hard-nosed play: a concussion. Concussions, a form of traumatic brain injury, are one of the most dangerous sports-related injuries. Despite many medical studies, the total number of young athletes affected by concussions is unknown, as

many injuries go unreported. The risk factors associated with concussions vary depending on gender, age and sport being played. Football, hockey and soccer have the highest incident rates because of the high-impact nature of the sports. While most concussions are minor and will result in full

recovery in just a couple of weeks, serious injury can result from an untreated concussion, including permanent brain damage and even death.

300THOUSAND

sports-related traumatic brain injuries occur annually in U.S. high schools and colleges. Sports are the second leading cause of traumatic brian injuries in people aged15-24, behind only motor vehicle crashes.

Once an athlete has sustained a concussion, their odds

of another are

3 TO 6TIMES GREATER

An estimated

Americans live with a traumatic brain injury.

5.3MILLIONThere are currently

concussion-related lawsuits against the NFL. The number

of former players involved in the suits is at 2,240.

81

BLOWHead is whipped forward from blow or force, causing the brain to move forward and hit the skull.

The human brain sits in the skull, held in place by connective tissue. While the skull does a remarkable job of protecting the brain from injury, during a concussion, the skull causes the injury. A concussion occurs when the brain is shifted forcefully and hits the inside of the skull, resulting in trauma. The first concussion, though still traumatic, will most likely not cause lasting health issues. However, many neurologists believe that after the third concussion, the risk of permanent brain damage dramatically increases.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CONCUSSION

CONCUSSION LEGISLATIONAll 50 states and Washington, D.C., have legislation mandating certain procedures in the event that a young athlete suffers a concussion. All but Wyoming require the player to be removed from the sport if a concussion is suspected until he or she has been examined by a medical professional. Most states require coaches to undergo prevention training.

Laws aimed at keeping concussion damages in check vary from state to state. In general, most states require three things to happen when a concussion is suspected.

Most states require athletes, coaches and parents to be educated on risk factors and symptoms of concussions. 1

2

EDUCATE

If an athlete shows any signs of a concussion, he or she should be removed from the game until he or she can be cleared to play by a medical professional.

REMOVE

3 Most states require a player with a suspected concussion to see a doctor and obtain a note allowing him or her to return to play after 24 hours.

OBTAIN PERMISSION For more information on concussions, including links to apps, detailed laws and more symptoms, scan the QR code or visit www.goo.gl/MuABjF

SOURCES | AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL, THE NOUN PROJECT GRAPHIC BY | JENNIFER SUBLETTE AND CHRIS MOORMAN, GANNETT DESIGN STUDIOS

THOUSANDtraumatic brain injuries, including

concussions, were reportedby children and teens

in emergency departments.

250In 2009,

10%of most diagnosed concussions involve loss of consciousness.

COUNTERBLOWAfter original blow, the head whips backward, causing the brain to hit the back of the skull.

In 2014, there were four reported deaths from concussion-related injuries.

Tom Cutinella, 16Shoreham, N.Y.

Isaiah Langston, 16Rolesville, N.C.

Requires coach training

Does not require coach training

Demario Harris, Jr., 17Troy, Ala.

Damon Janes, 16Buffalo, N.Y.

TAKING ACTION

CONCUSSION SYMPTOMSOBSERVEDThese symptoms can be assessed by a coach, parent or athletic trainer. The most common symptom associated with a concussion is unconsciousness. It should be noted, however, that not everyone with a concussion will lose consciousness.

VertigoHeadacheSensitivity to light and soundFogginessConfusionMalaise, general ill feeling

These are symptoms the player may report experiencing.

REPORTED

Memory lossConfusionMoving slowlyDazed or stunnedClumsyMood swings

CONCUSSION SYMPTOMSOBSERVED

VertigoHeadacheSensitivity to light and soundFogginessConfusionMalaise, general ill feeling

These are symptoms the player may report experiencing.

REPORTED

Memory lossConfusionMoving slowlyDazed or stunnedClumsyMood swings