Regular post-concussion monitoring is essential in the first 24 to 48 hours after injury to check for signs of deteriorating mental status that may indicate a more serious injury.
Dr. Robert Cantu recommends that a child be woken up several times during the night after a concussion to check his mental status. An athlete should be immediately taken to a hospital emergency room for evaluation if he:
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Has a headache that gets much more severe;
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Is very drowsy or can't be awakened or brought to an alert status
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Is disoriented
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Is vomiting or nauseous
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Behaves unusually, seems confused or very irritable
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Experiences seizures (arms and legs jerk uncontrollably)
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Has weak or numb arms or legs
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Is unsteady on his feet
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Has slurred speech
