More common in Rugby, Football and Boxing, but can happen in any sport.
“Concussion is a brain injury, and is defined as a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by (traumatic) biomechanical forces."
1) May be caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head
2) Results in the rapid onset of short-lived impairment of neurological function, that may resolve spontaneously. May appear immediately post-injury, or evolve over minutes to hours.
3) Normally there are completely normal findings on imaging studies (MRI/CT Brain)
4) Symptoms can include Loss of Consciousness (LOC), Amnesia, headache, confusion, irritability, slowing down of thinking and reactions, disturbed sleep
If concussion is suspected a player should be removed from play immediately, and the cervical spine protected. A concussed player may not return to play on the same day. The player should not be left alone.
The player must be evaluated by a physician experienced with concussion, and may not return to training or match play until symptoms have completely resolved. This may take a week or longer.