Connecticut Athletic Trainers' Association

The Connecticut Athletic Trainers' Association (CATA) strives to improve the quality of health care for athletes, patients and clients and enhance the profession of Athletic Training, through leadership, education, and cooperative efforts with other organizations and allied health professions.

Concussion

Definition:
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is caused by a blow to the head or body, causing the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This may result in altered mental function and a wide range of signs and symptoms. Athletes who continue to play while still experiencing symptoms of concussion are at significant risk for re-injury, permanent brain injury and even death.

Recognizing Concussion:
All individuals involved with teams and sport activities, including players, coaches, parents, organizers, league officials, and referees/game officials should be educated about the signs and symptoms of concussion so that they can recognize the injury, remove the athlete from activity, and refer the athlete to a qualified medical professional for examination prior to allowing the athlete to return to play.

Remember: When in doubt, sit it out!

Concussion Resourses

Information about Connecticut's Concussion Law

Information about Concussions

Concussion Signs & Symptoms Card for Coaches

Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport: 3rd Int’l. Conference on Concussion in Sport, Zurich

2010 CDC Study: Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States