Concussion Signs, Symptoms and Evaluation › Prevention › Services

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How do you know if a player has sustained a concussion? It can be difficult to tell. Here are some signs and symptoms to help you evaluate an athlete’s condition after a blow to the head.


Signs displayed by an athlete observed by staff:

  • Appears to be dazed or stunned
  • Is confused about assignment
  • Forgets plays
  • Is unsure of the game, score or opponent
  • Moves clumsily
  • Answers questions slowly
  • Loses consciousness (even temporarily)
  • Shows behavior or personality change
  • Forgets events prior to hit (retrograde)
  • Forgets events after hit (antegrade)

Symptoms reported by athlete:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Balance problems or dizziness
  • Double or fuzzy vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Feeling sluggish
  • Feeling “foggy”
  • Change in sleep pattern
  • Concentration or memory problems
  • Symptoms that worsen with exertion
  • ATHLETE SHOULD NOT RETURN TO PLAY UNTIL SYMPTOM-FREE.

On-field cognitive testing

Orientation
Ask the athlete the following questions:
What stadium is this? What month is it?
What city is this? What day is it?
Who is the opposing team?

Antegrade amnesia
Ask the athlete to repeat the following words:
Girl, dog, green

Retrograde amnesia
Ask the athlete the following question:
What happened in the prior quarter/period?
What do you remember just prior to the hit?
What was the score of the game prior to the hit?
Do you remember the hit?

Concentration
Ask the athlete to do the following:
Repeat the days of the week backward (starting with today).
Repeat these numbers backward: 63 (36 is correct) 419 (914 is correct)

Word list memory
Ask the athlete to repeat the three words from earlier: girl, dog, green

Any failure should be considered abnormal.
Consult a physician if you suspect a concussion.

For more information, contact your physician or a specialist at Saint Vincent Sports Medicine at 814-835-2035.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a health care professional.