There are many signs and symptoms that may suggest a concussion has occurred and there may be only one symptom present, or multiple signs and symptoms. 

Whats are the signs of concussion?

If any of the following signs are noted the injured person should be suspected of having sustained a concussion:

• Dazed, blank or vacant look
• Lying motionless on ground or slow to get up
• Unsteady on feet/falling over/incoordination
• Inappropriate or unusual behaviour
• Loss of consciousness or not responsive
• Grabbing / clutching of head
• Seizure (fits)

What are the Symptoms of Concussion?

If any of the following symptoms are experienced the injured person should be suspected of having sustained a concussion:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Confusion, or feeling “slow”
• Visual problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness / feeling like “in a fog“ /difficulty concentrating
• “Pressure in head”
• Sensitivity to light or noise

If any of the following signs or symptoms are noted then the injured person should be transferred to the nearest hospital for urgent medical assessment.

• Severe neck pain
• Double vision
• Weakness or tingling / burning in arms or legs
• Severe or increasing headache
• Seizure (fit)
• Loss of or deteriorating consciousness (increasingly drowsy)
• Repeated vomiting
• Increasing confusion or irritability
• Unusual behaviour change

For more detail on recovery and returning to play please visit Return2Play

• Early rest, with plenty of sleep, is key to making a good recovery
• Feeling better, while reassuring, is not the same as the brain having recovered
• All players should follow return to sport guidance: 14 days of relative rest with no sporting activity. Once complete, and if symptom free, they can progress gradually returning to play
• No player should take part in any matches, for any sport, until a minimum of 21 days after the injury

All players should be reviewed by a healthcare professional before returning to play