Our concussion sideline card can help you recognize signs and symptoms of a concussion. It can also be used for on-field cognitive testing. Athletes should not return to play until symptom-free. Any failure on the on-field cognitive testing should be considered abnormal. Athletes should always consult a physician following a suspected concussion.
Sports Concussion Program
Signs observed by staff
- appears to be dazed or stunned
- is confused about assignment
- forgets plays
- is unsure of game,
score, or opponent - moves clumsily
- answers questions slowly
- loses consciousness (even temporarily)
- shows behavior or personality change
- forgets events prior to hit (retrograde)
- forgets events after hit (anterograde)
Symptoms reported by athlete
- headache
- nausea
- balance problems or dizziness
- double or fuzzy vision
- sensitivity to light or noise
- feeling sluggish
- feeling “foggy”
- change in sleep pattern
- concentration or memory problems
Symptoms may worsen with exertion. Athlete should not return to play until symptom-free.
On-field Cognitive Testing
Orientation
Ask the athlete the following questions:
- What stadium is this?
- What city is this?
- Who is the opposing team?
- What month is it?
- What day is it?
Anterograde amnesia
Ask the athlete to repeat the following words:
Girl, dog, green
Retrograde amnesia
Ask the athlete the following questions:
- What happened in the prior quarter/period?
- What do you remember just prior to the hit?
- What was the score of the game prior to the hit?
- Do you remember the hit?
Concentration
Ask the athlete to do the following:
- Repeat the days of the week backward (starting with today).
- Repeat these numbers backward:
63 (36 is correct)
419 (914 is correct)
Word list memory
Ask the athlete to repeat the three words from earlier:
Girl, dog, green
Any failure should be considered abnormal. Consult a physician following a suspected concussion.
To schedule an appointment, call 412-432-3681.