CONCUSSION/HEAD INJURY CONCERNS
			2005 MSHSL Guideline The OHS Athletic Training Staff Will Follow http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/news/concussionguide.htm http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/news/concussion2005.htm http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/news/concussionconf2004.doc
		If a patient has, or is suspected to have, a concussion or head injury, please observe the patient closely during the next 24 - 48 hours for any of the following signs. Call your doctor or seek medical help if you note the following: 1). Increasing drowsiness or inability to arouse (wake up) the patient.  Look for a personality change or irritability.  Awaken patient during the first night every two to three hours.  If the patient says, "Leave me alone, go away and quit bothering me," the patient is generally okay. 2). Upset stomach and vomiting, if occuring more than once. 3). Unequal eye pupils, double or blurred vision. 4). Clear fluid or blood dripping from ear(s) or nose. 5). Twitching or convulsions (fits). 6). Continued or persistent headaches. 7). Neck stiffness.  Check with patient on back.  Attempt to touch chin to chest. 8). Weakness of either an arm or leg, unsteady gait (Walking), or inability to move all            extremities (Arms and Legs). 9). Incoherent or slurred speech. 10). Change in respirations, difficulty breathing or blue tint to lips, fingers, or toes.
				No aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other anti-inflammatory medications should be taken until 48 hours after the injury unless otherwise instructed to do so by a physician.  Consume only clear liquids for the first four hours after the injury, and then progress the diet as tolerated.  No alcoholic beverages should be consumed.