If you need medical advice for an injured child, please call 911, seek a doctor or go to your local ER immediately.
US Lacrosse has taken a lead in the education and awareness of concussions and has teamed up with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ImPACT Alliance, and many more organizations and resources to help players, parents and coaches recognize and understand this brain injury. There are also Youtube videos, phone apps and many more websites dedicated to concussion awareness.
A concussionis caused by violent shaking or jarring of the brain, and may may cause alterations in cognitive function, vision, eye movement, facial movement, or speech. Contrary to popular belief, no helmet in any sport can prevent a concussion.
You can't see a concussion.
Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury.
Concussion Resources
The Concussion Center of Fairfield County is the first comprehensive medical center in lower Fairfield County dedicated to the assessment, management and education of concussions. Here they describe the signs and symptoms of concussions:
Signs Observed by Parents, Guardians, or Coaches
Appears dazed or stunned
Is confused about assignment or position
Forgets an instruction
Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
Moves clumsily
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness (even briefly)
Shows behavior or personality changes
Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
Can’t recall events after hit or fall
Symptoms Reported by Athlete
Headache or “pressure” in head
Nausea or vomiting
Balance problems or dizziness
Double or blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to noise
Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
Concentration or memory problems
Confusion
Does not “feel right”
The US Lacrosse Health and Safety committee has dedicated vast amounts of time, energy and webspace to concussion awareness. USL works closely with The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and has formed a strategic alliance with ImPACT Applications, Inc (ImPACT) to launch a formal Concussion Management Program for lacrosse players that offers concussion testing, education, awareness and state-of-the-art standards of care. The Concussion Center of Fairfield County offers ImPACT testing.
