Concussion Awareness and Guidance
Concussions can occur in any sport. Although rare, concussions can occur in baseball. For the increased safety of our players, MCBL offers the following information, policy and guidance regarding the handling of concussions.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even what seems to be a mild blow to the head can be serious.
What are the warning signs of a concussion?
Signs observed by a coach/parent/guardian/teammate:
▪. Appears dazed or stunned ▪. Forgets sports plays
▪. Is confused about assignment or position ▪ Moves clumsily
▪. Is unsure of game, score, or opponent ▪ Answers questions slowly
▪. Loses consciousness (even briefly) ▪. Shows behavior changes
▪. Shows personality changes ▪. Slurred speech
▪. Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall ▪. Can’t recall events after hit/fall
▪. Can’t remember new information ▪. Can’t recognize people or places
▪. One pupil larger than the other ▪. Bruising or bump on head
Signs reported by the athlete:
▪. Headache or “pressure” in the head. ▪. Nausea or vomiting
▪. Balance problems or dizziness. ▪. Double, fuzzy or blurry vision
▪. Sensitivity to light ▪. Sensitivity to noise
▪. Feeling sluggish, hazy, or groggy. ▪. Confusion
▪. Concentration or memory problems. ▪. Does not "feel right”
▪. Irritablility or moodiness ▪. Changes in sleeping habits
Some of these signs/symptoms may not appear right away or be difficult to sort out. Early on problems may be overlooked by the athlete, family members, or doctors. People may look fine ever though they are acting or feeling differently. Sometimes, people do not recognize or admit that they are having problems.
What should you do if you think a concussion has occurred?
1 Seek medical attention right away……call 9-1-1
It is MCBL policy that if a concussion is suspected, that the player is immediately removed from further participation and that medical attention is immediately obtained from a health care professional who will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe to return to play.
2 Keep your athlete out of play until medically cleared.
Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your athlete return to play until a health care professional says it’s okay.
Most people with a concussion recover well from the symptoms experienced at the time of the injury. But for some, the symptoms can last for days, weeks or longer.
Those who have had a concussion in the past are also at risk of having another one. Some people may also find that it takes longer to recover if they have another concussion.
Athletes who return to play too soon, while the brain is still healing, risk a greater chance of having a second concussion. Second or later concussions can be very serious. They can cause permanent brain damage, affecting the player for a lifetime.
3 Inform all coaches about any recent concussions.
Coaches should know if your athlete has had a recent concussion. Your athlete’s coach may not know about a concussion your athlete received in another sport or activity unless you tell them.
4 Help your athlete return to sports safely after a concussion.
As your athlete’s symptoms decrease, the extra help or support can be removed gradually.
Athletes who return to activities after a concussion may need to:
▪ Take rest breaks as needed;
▪ Spend fewer hours at activities;
▪ Drink plenty of fluids and eat protein; and
▪ If in doubt, sit it out!
