Concussions in Sport: How to Recognize the Signs and When to Speak Up

👉 In competitive sports, there’s a lot of pressure to "tough it out" and keep playing — even when you don’t feel right after a hit. 

👉 But concussions are brain injuries — and ignoring them can lead to serious, long-term health problems.

💥 Protecting your brain is protecting your future — and it starts with knowing the signs and speaking up.

1. What Is a Concussion?

👉 A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a blow to the head, a hit to the body, or a fall that makes your brain shake inside your skull. 

👉 You don’t have to lose consciousness (pass out) to have a concussion — many concussions happen without passing out.

💥 If your brain is affected, it’s a concussion — and it needs attention.

2. Why Concussions Are Serious (Even If You "Feel Fine" at First)

👉 Many athletes think, “I’m okay, I can finish the game.” 

👉 But concussions can get worse over time — and playing while concussed can cause a second injury that’s even more dangerous.

💥 Second Impact Syndrome — getting hit again while already concussed — can cause permanent brain damage or even death.

💥 Your brain controls everything you do — protecting it is more important than any game.

3. Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

👉 Concussion symptoms may show up right away or hours (even days) later.

Here are some common signs to watch for:

✅ Physical signs:

• Headache or pressure in the head.

• Dizziness or balance problems.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Blurry or double vision.

• Sensitivity to light or noise.

• Feeling dazed or stunned.

✅ Mental and emotional signs:

• Confusion — feeling "foggy" or "off".

• Trouble remembering what happened.

• Difficulty concentrating.

• Feeling slowed down.

• Mood changes — sadness, irritability, nervousness.

✅ Sleep problems:

• Sleeping more or less than usual.

• Trouble falling asleep.

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💥 If you feel "off" in any way after a hit — speak up!

4. When Should You Speak Up? (Answer: Always, Right Away)

👉 If you feel ANY of these symptoms — stop playing and tell someone immediately.

💥 The sooner you speak up, the faster you can get help — and the better chance you have of a full recovery.

👉 Tell:

• A coach.

• A teammate.

• Medical staff.

• A trusted adult (if you’re young).

  
  

Don’t wait. Don’t hide it. Don’t "push through."

5. Why Athletes Hide Concussions (and Why You Shouldn’t)

👉 Common reasons athletes don’t speak up:

🚩 “I don’t want to let the team down.” 

🚩 “I don’t want to look weak.” 

🚩 “It’s an important game — I can’t sit out.” 

🚩 “I feel okay now — I’ll be fine.”

💥 But if you don’t speak up:

❌ You risk making the injury worse. 

❌ You risk long-term brain damage (problems with memory, focus, mood, and sleep for life). 

❌ You risk your whole career and health — no game is worth that.

6. What Happens After You Speak Up (Recovery and Return to Play)

👉 If you report a concussion:

✅ You’ll be checked by medical professionals — not left alone. 

✅ You’ll get a recovery plan (rest, limited screen time, no training until safe). 

✅ You’ll only return to play when your brain is healed — safely.

💥 Following the recovery plan fully is key — coming back too soon can cause lifelong problems.

7. How to Support a Teammate with a Concussion

👉 If you see a teammate hit their head or acting "off":

• Tell a coach or medical staff immediately.

• Encourage them to speak up — remind them it’s about their health, not just the game.

• Check in on them — they may feel alone, scared, or frustrated.

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💥 Being a good teammate means protecting each other — on and off the field.

8. Final Words — Your Brain Is Priceless, Protect It

💥 You only get one brain — protect it like you protect your game. 

💥 Speaking up about a concussion is strength, not weakness. 

💥 No game, win, or point is worth risking your future. 

💥 You can’t replace your brain — but you can always play another game.

9. Take These Reminders With You

🧠 “If something feels wrong, speak up right away.” 

🧠 “My brain is more important than the game.” 

🧠 “Protecting myself is strength — not weakness.” 

🧠 “I’m allowed to stop, check, and take care of my health.” 

🧠 “No hit is worth risking my future.”