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 brain injury requiring immediate hospitalization.
An athlete should be immediately taken to the hospital for evaluation (including neuroimaging) if he:
- Has a headache that gets worse
- Is very drowsy or can't be awakened (woken up)
- Can't recognize people or places
- Experiences repeated vomiting
- Behaves unusually, seems confused or is very irritable
- Experiences seizures (arms and legs jerk uncontrollably)
- Has weak or numb arms or legs
- Is unsteady on his feet; or
- Has slurred speech
Source: Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2)
Revised and updated September 16, 2011
