CLEARING UP CONCUSSIONS

The trials and triumphs of a Friday night on the high school gridiron can remain with an athlete for a lifetime. So, too, can something thats
difficult to detect and often considered a reward of hard-nosed play: a concussion. Concussions, a form of traumatic brain injury, are one of the
most dangerous sports-related injuries. Despite many medical studies, the total number of young athletes affected by concussions is unknown, as
many injuries go unreported. The risk factors associated with concussions vary depending on gender, age and sport being played. Football, hockey
and soccer have the highest incident rates because of the high-impact nature of the sports. While most concussions are minor and will result in full
recovery in just a couple of weeks, serious injury can result from an untreated concussion, including permanent brain damage and even death.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CONCUSSION

The human brain sits in the skull, held in place by connective tissue. While the skull does a
remarkable job of protecting the brain from injury, during a concussion, the skull causes the
injury. A concussion occurs when the brain is shifted forcefully and hits the inside of the
skull, resulting in trauma. The first concussion, though still traumatic, will most likely not
cause lasting health issues. However, many neurologists believe that after the third
concussion, the risk of permanent brain damage dramatically increases.

BLOW

COUNTERBLOW

Head is whipped forward from

blow or force, causing the brain
to move forward and hit the skull.

After original blow, the head

whips backward, causing the
brain to hit the back of the skull.

5.3
MILLION

300
THOUSAND

sports-related
traumatic brain
injuries occur
annually in U.S. high
schools and colleges.
Sports are the
second leading cause
of traumatic brian
injuries in people
aged15-24, behind
only motor vehicle
crashes.

An estimated

CONCUSSION
SYMPTOMS
OBSERVED
These symptoms can be assessed
by a coach, parent or athletic
trainer. The most common
symptom associated with a
concussion is unconsciousness. It
should be noted, however, that
not everyone with a concussion
will lose consciousness.

Americans live with a

traumatic brain injury.
There are currently

81

250
THOUSAND
In 2009,

Memory loss
Confusion
Moving slowly
Dazed or stunned
Clumsy
Mood swings

concussion-related lawsuits
against the NFL. The number
of former players involved
in the suits is at 2,240.

traumatic brain injuries, including

concussions, were reported
by children and teens
in emergency departments.

REPORTED

Once an athlete has sustained a

concussion, their odds
of another are

3
TO
6
TIMES GREATER

These are symptoms the player

may report experiencing.
Vertigo
Headache
Sensitivity to light and sound
Fogginess
Confusion
Malaise, general ill feeling

CONCUSSION LEGISLATION
All 50 states and Washington, D.C., have legislation mandating certain procedures in the
event that a young athlete suffers a concussion. All but Wyoming require the player to be
removed from the sport if a concussion is suspected until he or she has been examined by
a medical professional. Most states require coaches to undergo prevention training.
Damon Janes, 16
Buffalo, N.Y.

Tom Cutinella, 16
Shoreham, N.Y.

In 2014, there
were four
reported deaths
from concussionrelated injuries.

10%

Isaiah Langston, 16
Rolesville, N.C.

of most diagnosed concussions

involve loss of consciousness.

Demario Harris, Jr., 17

Troy, Ala.
Requires coach training
Does not require coach training

TAKING ACTION
Laws aimed at keeping concussion damages in check vary from state to state. In general,
most states require three things to happen when a concussion is suspected.

1
2
3

EDUCATE
Most states require athletes, coaches and parents to
be educated on risk factors and symptoms of concussions.

REMOVE
If an athlete shows any signs of a concussion, he or she should be removed from
the game until he or she can be cleared to play by a medical professional.

OBTAIN PERMISSION

Most states require a player with a suspected concussion to see a doctor

and obtain a note allowing him or her to return to play after 24 hours.

SOURCES | AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL, THE NOUN PROJECT

= 1,000
high school
students

For more information on concussions,

including links to apps, detailed laws
and more symptoms, scan the QR code
or visit www.goo.gl/MuABjF

GRAPHIC BY | JENNIFER SUBLETTE AND CHRIS MOORMAN, GANNETT DESIGN STUDIOS

CLEARING UP CONCUSSIONS

The trials and triumphs of a Friday night on the high school gridiron can remain with an athlete for a lifetime. So, too, can something thats
difficult to detect and often considered a reward of hard-nosed play: a concussion. Concussions, a form of traumatic brain injury, are one of the
most dangerous sports-related injuries. Despite many medical studies, the total number of young athletes affected by concussions is unknown, as
many injuries go unreported. The risk factors associated with concussions vary depending on gender, age and sport being played. Football, hockey
and soccer have the highest incident rates because of the high-impact nature of the sports. While most concussions are minor and will result in full
recovery in just a couple of weeks, serious injury can result from an untreated concussion, including permanent brain damage and even death.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CONCUSSION

The human brain sits in the skull, held in place by connective tissue. While the skull does a
remarkable job of protecting the brain from injury, during a concussion, the skull causes the
injury. A concussion occurs when the brain is shifted forcefully and hits the inside of the
skull, resulting in trauma. The first concussion, though still traumatic, will most likely not
cause lasting health issues. However, many neurologists believe that after the third
concussion, the risk of permanent brain damage dramatically increases.

BLOW

COUNTERBLOW

Head is whipped forward from

blow or force, causing the brain
to move forward and hit the skull.

After original blow, the head

whips backward, causing the
brain to hit the back of the skull.

5.3
MILLION

300
THOUSAND

sports-related
traumatic brain
injuries occur
annually in U.S. high
schools and colleges.
Sports are the
second leading cause
of traumatic brian
injuries in people
aged15-24, behind
only motor vehicle
crashes.

An estimated

CONCUSSION
SYMPTOMS
OBSERVED
These symptoms can be assessed
by a coach, parent or athletic
trainer. The most common
symptom associated with a
concussion is unconsciousness. It
should be noted, however, that
not everyone with a concussion
will lose consciousness.

Americans live with a

traumatic brain injury.
There are currently

81

250
THOUSAND
In 2009,

Memory loss
Confusion
Moving slowly
Dazed or stunned
Clumsy
Mood swings

concussion-related lawsuits
against the NFL. The number
of former players involved
in the suits is at 2,240.

traumatic brain injuries, including

concussions, were reported
by children and teens
in emergency departments.

REPORTED

Once an athlete has sustained a

concussion, their odds
of another are

3
TO
6
TIMES GREATER

These are symptoms the player

may report experiencing.
Vertigo
Headache
Sensitivity to light and sound
Fogginess
Confusion
Malaise, general ill feeling

CONCUSSION LEGISLATION
All 50 states and Washington, D.C., have legislation mandating certain procedures in the
event that a young athlete suffers a concussion. All but Wyoming require the player to be
removed from the sport if a concussion is suspected until he or she has been examined by
a medical professional. Most states require coaches to undergo prevention training.
Damon Janes, 16
Buffalo, N.Y.

Tom Cutinella, 16
Shoreham, N.Y.

In 2014, there
were four
reported deaths
from concussionrelated injuries.

10%

Isaiah Langston, 16
Rolesville, N.C.

of most diagnosed concussions

involve loss of consciousness.

Demario Harris, Jr., 17

Troy, Ala.
Requires coach training
Does not require coach training

TAKING ACTION
Laws aimed at keeping concussion damages in check vary from state to state. In general,
most states require three things to happen when a concussion is suspected.

1
2
3

EDUCATE
Most states require athletes, coaches and parents to
be educated on risk factors and symptoms of concussions.

REMOVE
If an athlete shows any signs of a concussion, he or she should be removed from
the game until he or she can be cleared to play by a medical professional.

OBTAIN PERMISSION

Most states require a player with a suspected concussion to see a doctor

and obtain a note allowing him or her to return to play after 24 hours.

SOURCES | AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL, THE NOUN PROJECT

= 1,000
high school
students

For more information on concussions,

including links to apps, detailed laws
and more symptoms, scan the QR code
or visit www.goo.gl/MuABjF

GRAPHIC BY | JENNIFER SUBLETTE AND CHRIS MOORMAN, GANNETT DESIGN STUDIOS

CLEARING UP CONCUSSIONS
Concussions, a form of traumatic
brain injury, are one of the most
dangerous sports-related injuries.
The risk factors associated with
concussions vary depending on
gender, age and sport being
played. Football, hockey and
soccer have the highest incident
rates because of the high-impact
nature of the sports. While most
concussions are minor and will
result in full recovery in just a
couple of weeks, serious injury
can result from an untreated
concussion, including permanent
brain damage and even death.

A concussion occurs when the brain is shifted

forcefully and hits the inside of the skull,
resulting in trauma. The first concussion,
though traumatic, will most likely not cause
lasting health issues. However, once an
athlete has sustained a concussion, they are
three to six times more likely to sustain
another. And additional concussions increase
the chance for permanent brain damage.

These symptoms can be

assessed by a coach, parent
or athletic trainer. The most
common symptom
associated with a concussion
is unconsciousness. It should
be noted, however, that not
everyone with a concussion
will lose consciousness.

BLOW
Head is whipped forward
from blow or force, causing
the brain to move forward
and hit the skull.

In 2009,

An estimated

Just

traumatic brain injuries,

including concussions, were
reported by children and teens
in emergency departments.

Americans live with a

traumatic brain injury.

of diagnosed
concussions involve
loss of consciousness.

CONCUSSION LEGISLATION
All 50 states and Washington, D.C., have legislation mandating certain procedures
in the event that a young athlete suffers a concussion. All but Wyoming require
the player to be removed from the sport if a concussion is suspected until he or
she has been examined. All states except Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Wisconsin
and South Carolina require coaches to undergo prevention training.

TAKING ACTION

Memory loss
Confusion
Moving slowly
Dazed or stunned
Clumsy
Mood swings

Laws aimed at keeping concussion damages in check vary from state to state.
In general, most states require three things to happen when a concussion
is suspected.

1
2

REPORTED
These are symptoms the
player may report
experiencing.
Vertigo
Headache
Sensitivity to light and sound
Fogginess
Confusion
Malaise, general ill feeling

sports-related
traumatic brain injuries
occur annually in U.S.
high schools and
colleges. Sports are the
second leading cause of
traumatic brian injuries
in people aged 15-24,
behind only motor
vehicle crashes.

5.3
10
250
THOUSAND MILLION PERCENT

CONCUSSION
SYMPTOMS
OBSERVED

300
THOUSAND

WHAT HAPPENS DURING

A CONCUSSION

COUNTERBLOW
After original blow, the
head whips backward,
causing the brain to hit the
back of the skull.

SOURCES | AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL, THE NOUN PROJECT
GRAPHIC BY | JENNIFER SUBLETTE AND CHRIS MOORMAN, GANNETT DESIGN STUDIOS

EDUCATE

Most states require athletes, coaches and parents to

be educated on risk factors and symptoms of concussions.

REMOVE
If an athlete shows any signs of a concussion, he or she should be
removed from the game until he or she can be cleared to play by
a medical professional.

OBTAIN PERMISSION

Most states require a player with a suspected concussion to see a doctor

and obtain a note allowing him or her to return to play after 24 hours.
For more information on concussions,
including links to apps, detailed laws
and more symptoms, scan the QR code
or visit www.goo.gl/MuABjF

Once an athlete has sustained a

concussion, his or her odds
of another are

3
TO
6
TIMES GREATER

81
There are currently

concussion-related
lawsuits against the
NFL. The number
of former players
involved in the suits
is at 2,240.

CLEARING UP CONCUSSIONS
Concussions, a form of traumatic
brain injury, are one of the most
dangerous sports-related injuries.
The risk factors associated with
concussions vary depending on
gender, age and sport being
played. Football, hockey and
soccer have the highest incident
rates because of the high-impact
nature of the sports. While most
concussions are minor and will
result in full recovery in just a
couple of weeks, serious injury
can result from an untreated
concussion, including permanent
brain damage and even death.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING

A CONCUSSION
A concussion occurs when the brain is shifted
forcefully and hits the inside of the skull,
resulting in trauma. The first concussion,
though traumatic, will most likely not cause
lasting health issues. However, once an
athlete has sustained a concussion, they are
three to six times more likely to sustain
another. And additional concussions increase
the chance for permanent brain damage.

5.3
10
250
THOUSAND MILLION PERCENT

CONCUSSION
SYMPTOMS
OBSERVED
These symptoms can be
assessed by a coach, parent
or athletic trainer. The most
common symptom
associated with a concussion
is unconsciousness. It should
be noted, however, that not
everyone with a concussion
will lose consciousness.

BLOW
Head is whipped forward
from blow or force, causing
the brain to move forward
and hit the skull.

In 2009,

An estimated

Just

traumatic brain injuries,

including concussions, were
reported by children and teens
in emergency departments.

Americans live with a

traumatic brain injury.

of diagnosed
concussions involve
loss of consciousness.

CONCUSSION LEGISLATION
All 50 states and Washington, D.C., have legislation mandating certain procedures
in the event that a young athlete suffers a concussion. All but Wyoming require
the player to be removed from the sport if a concussion is suspected until he or
she has been examined. All states except Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Wisconsin
and South Carolina require coaches to undergo prevention training.

TAKING ACTION

Memory loss
Confusion
Moving slowly
Dazed or stunned
Clumsy
Mood swings

Laws aimed at keeping concussion damages in check vary from state to state.
In general, most states require three things to happen when a concussion
is suspected.

1
2

REPORTED
These are symptoms the
player may report
experiencing.
Vertigo
Headache
Sensitivity to light and sound
Fogginess
Confusion
Malaise, general ill feeling

300
THOUSAND

sports-related
traumatic brain injuries
occur annually in U.S.
high schools and
colleges. Sports are the
second leading cause of
traumatic brian injuries
in people aged15-24,
behind only motor
vehicle crashes.

COUNTERBLOW
After original blow, the
head whips backward,
causing the brain to hit the
back of the skull.

SOURCES | AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL, THE NOUN PROJECT
GRAPHIC BY | JENNIFER SUBLETTE AND CHRIS MOORMAN, GANNETT DESIGN STUDIOS

EDUCATE

Most states require athletes, coaches and parents to

be educated on risk factors and symptoms of concussions.

REMOVE
If an athlete shows any signs of a concussion, he or she should be
removed from the game until he or she can be cleared to play by
a medical professional.

OBTAIN PERMISSION

Most states require a player with a suspected concussion to see a doctor

and obtain a note allowing him or her to return to play after 24 hours.
For more information on concussions,
including links to apps, detailed laws
and more symptoms, scan the QR code
or visit www.goo.gl/MuABjF