1. ALWAYS remove athletes immediately after suspecting a concussion. Do NOT allow return to play the same day with a concussion.

2. Athletes do NOT have to be knocked out to have a concussion. 90% of concussions occur without a loss of consciousness.

3. CT scans don’t diagnose concussions. Everyone with a concussion has a normal CT scan.

4. It is OK to let someone fall asleep after being hit in the head. With careful monitoring, rest and sleep will be helpful.

5. “Warm Up for Return” is a graded process that requires a minimum of five days.

6. 9 out of 10 athletes will be back to normal within two weeks. They may miss a few games.

7. Kansas law requires a physician’s signature (MD/DO) to "Return to Play."

8. Athletes who return to full contact too early risk Second Impact Syndrome, a rare but devastating brain injury that may result in death.

9. Concussions can affect driving, school work, sleep, emotions, relationships and self worth.

10. The "game plan" is not just about returning an athlete to their sport, it is about returning the person back to their life.

KansasSportsConcussionPartnership

» Concussion? Start Here » Recognition » Management » Return to Learn » Warm-up to Play

Management

Careful management of a student athlete who sustained a concussion is critical to his/her recovery. Athletes who return to practice or play too soon risk persistent or permanent injury. This is especially true for youths because their brains are still developing.

To avoid the risk of a second concussion, an athlete must take the time to rest the brain from all physical and cognitive exertion. The Concussion Guides provide answers to common questions on how to manage a student athlete’s recovery.

Game plan for the education, recognition, and management of sports related head injuries.

Management

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