NH Sports » Concussions

NFHS Adopts New Rule on Concussions 

The NFHS, which is the governing body for interscholastic athletics, had adpoted a new rule regarding concusssions. IF a player shows signs of a possible concussion, they are to be removed from the contest, and cannot return to play until such time as they are cleared by a certified health care provider.

The PIAA, which oversees high school athletics in the state of Pennsylvania, has stated that the form known as the CIPPE form (Section 6) must be executed by a Licensed Physician of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine.

To view the PIAA Press Release on Concussions (May 20, 2010):

Concussions and Head Injuries in Athletics

Wecht Institute to Offer Two Day Seminar on Concussions

For Information go to the link below: 

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10071/1042221-66.stm 

In an effort to help raise the awareness of head injuries and concussions in athletics, the athletic trainers hope this information will help educate and lead to early recognition of concussions.  It is crucial for the health and safety of your children that we all work together to provide the best treatment for the student athletes at North Hills.

A concussion is the agitation or shaking of the brain from a direct hit to the head or a blow to the chin.  Concussions can occur with or without the loss of consciousness. The extent of the injury must be evaluated to prevent a minor head injury from becoming a life threatening emergency.  It is important to remember that you cannot see a concussion and the signs and symptoms may show up immediately or develop slowly over a period of days.

 Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

• Loss of Consciousness
• Clear fluid from nose/ears
• Numbness/Paralysis
• Severe Headache/Deep Throbbing
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Loss of Coordination
• Ringing in the ears
• Blurred/Double Vision
• Unequal Pupil Size
• No Pupil Reaction to Light
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Slurred Speech
• Convulsions/Tremors
• Sleepiness/Grogginess
• Behavior/Personality Changes
• Inability to remember events prior to injury
• Inability to remember events after the injury
• Sensitivity to Light/Noise

It is important to report all injuries to the certified athletic trainer, coach, or school nurse.  An athlete with any of the previously listed signs or symptoms should be removed from practice and evaluated by the certified athletic trainer and/or team physician as needed.  The athlete should not be given any medication within the first 24 hours, unless directed by a physician.  The athlete should also be awakened every two hours throughout the night to monitor their symptoms, as well as, problem solving and critical thinking skills.  If the athlete’s symptoms are altered, then he/she should be taken to the hospital to be evaluated by a doctor. 

The athlete should not return to practice or conditioning until all symptoms have resolved and he/she has been cleared by a medical professional.  Athletes who return to their sport, with symptoms of a concussion still present, are at a much greater risk of a second concussion or second impact syndrome which can be a life threatening injury.

For more information,  follow the link below to the article below entitled -

Concussion Calculations

Page last edited on: 2010-06-25
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