A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell run, “ or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.
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. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the
symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.
The following are tools that can be used to assess a player if you suspect a concussion. These are not diagnostic tools. For proper diagnosis, the player should always be seen by a health care professional.
MEMORY: Ask the player questions they should know the answer to, such as date, period, opponent.
FOCUS: Talk with the player, are they focusing on the conversation? Able to speak with coherent sentences?
PHYSICAL TEST: Ask the player to touch their finger to their nose numerous times, is the player able to do this properly?
While assessing the player, keep in mind the most common signs and symptoms of concussions.
If you suspect a player has a concussion, you should take the following steps:
These guidelines are meant to act as a suggestion for players after they suffer a concussion. The length of each phase varies depending on the severity of the concussion and the individual. Players should continue to the next phase only if all the signs and symptoms of a concussion are gone. An informed health care professional should be consulted throughout the return to play protocol, especially if the signs and symptoms continue or reappear at any time.
Dr. Mike Evans provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the dangers of concussions and the mystery surrounding concussion treatment.
Hal Tearse, Former Minnesota Hockey Coach-In-Chief & Current Safety Committee Chair discusses concussions, signs, symptoms, recovery time and prevention.
National Dizzy and Balance Center (NDBC) is the official baseline testing partner of Minnesota Hockey. NDBC has a team of Medical Doctors, Neuro Psychologists, Neuro Radiologists, Audiologists, and Physical Therapists all specifically trained in the field of treating brain injuries and concussions.
No other facilities in the Midwest area can match NDBC's unique ability to provide IMPACT neuropsychological baseline and post-concussion testing, Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) for postural stability and functional deficits, and a complete neurotologic balance assessment.
Contact NDBC to hear about their team and school group discounts for baseline testing packages at one of their four metro location. Please call Jennifer Ginkel at 952-913-2907 for more information and scheduling.