Close Monitoring After Concussion Required

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 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

Revised and updated June 26, 2009