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Concussion after a knock in sport

A blow to the head: when to leave the game, when to go to hospital and how to come back safely.

25 items · 5 sections · health, sports, first-aid, safety, emergency

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Leave the game now (4)

  • Stop playing straight away if a player takes a knock and seems dazed, confused or off"If in doubt, sit them out."
  • Do not let them go back on the same day
  • Stay with them for the next 24 hours
  • Do not leave them alone to drive

Call 999 / 911 / 112 now if (7)

  • They lose consciousness, even for a short time, or cannot be woken
  • They have a fit, or their arms or legs go weak
  • Clear fluid or blood leaks from the nose or ears
  • They vomit more than once, or the headache gets worse
  • They become more confused, drowsy or their speech slurs
  • One pupil looks bigger than the other
  • A neck injury is possible: do not move them

First 24 to 48 hours (5)

  • Rest and take it easy; avoid screens for a short while if they bother the head
  • Use paracetamol for a headache; avoid alcohol
  • Avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen in the first 24 hours unless a doctor says so
  • Let them sleep, with someone checking now and then that they can be woken
  • Get checked by a doctor the same day if they were knocked out or you are unsure

Watch for 2 weeks (4)

  • Headache that will not go, dizziness, blurred vision
  • Poor memory or focus, being irritable or sad
  • Trouble sleeping or very tired
  • See a doctor if symptoms last more than 2 weeks, or return

Coming back to sport (5)

  • No contact or training until a doctor says it is fine
  • Start with light walking, then jogging, then drills, then contact training in steps
  • Move to the next step only when there are no symptoms for 24 hours
  • Tell the coach and your school or work
  • Wear a well-fitting helmet or head gear where the sport requires it

Written from www.nhs.uk

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