Detroit Lions Activity Book.qxp - Detroit Lions - NFL.com

Personal TrainerTA blow to the head not just a ‘ding’• Football players need several days to recover from a concussion, according to newresearch that is likely to apply to other sports.After a mild head injury• The athletes’ neurological symptoms lasted about 7 days• Their thinking took 5 to 7 days to return to normal• Their balance took 3 to 5 days to recover• About 10 percent of players needed more than a week to recoverLosing consciousness not necessarily:• Brain dysfunction was clear after mild head injury even if athlete did not have classicsigns of concussion:• Loss of consciousness amnesia after regaining consciousnessRecommendationSCIENCE• After concussion, athlete should stop competing at once• Do not return to play or practice until all symptoms end, both at rest and withexertion• If athlete passes out or has signs of amnesia, he or she should not play thatday• Athlete should get careful, repeated exams by person trained and experiencedin evaluating concussion• If symptoms worsen, athlete should get immediate medical exam, possiblehospitalizationDetroit Lions Edition 87 Pro Football Hall of Fame Educational Outreach Program