Injury Recognition & Symptom Evaluation Flashcards

A gymnast falls from the balance beam and briefly appears confused, then seems to recover quickly and says she is fine. A key reason NOT to trust this self-report is:

Answer: Concussion symptoms can be delayed and the athlete may lack insight into their condition

Concussion symptoms can emerge or worsen hours after the initial injury, and athletes often underreport or lack awareness of their symptoms due to the injury itself.

Which of the following best describes the 'vacant stare' that may be observed in a concussed athlete on the sideline?

Answer: An observable physical sign suggesting cognitive disruption or disorientation

A vacant or glassy-eyed stare is an observable sign of potential concussion, indicating possible cognitive disruption or altered mental status.

During a swim meet, a swimmer hits the wall head-first. A teammate reports that the swimmer 'seemed out of it' for about 30 seconds. This period of altered consciousness is referred to as:

Answer: Brief loss of consciousness

A brief period where the athlete appears unresponsive or 'out of it' constitutes a loss or alteration of consciousness, which is a significant concussion indicator.

An athlete reports that light from the gym's fluorescent lights is bothering them after a head injury. This symptom is clinically referred to as:

Answer: Photophobia

Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, is a common concussion symptom caused by disruption in how the brain processes visual input.

A wrestler sustains a head impact and shortly after vomits once on the sideline. How should this symptom factor into the assessment?

Answer: A single episode of vomiting is a recognized concussion symptom that warrants removal from play

Nausea and vomiting, even a single episode, are recognized concussion symptoms that require the athlete to be removed from play for evaluation.

Which of the following is an example of a cognitive symptom that might only become apparent when an athlete returns to an academic setting after a concussion?

Answer: Difficulty concentrating while reading or taking notes

Difficulty concentrating is a cognitive symptom that may not be apparent at rest but becomes evident during demanding tasks like reading or note-taking.

A field hockey athlete experiences a concussion and three days later her parents report she has been sleeping 11-12 hours per night, significantly more than her usual 8 hours. This is best described as:

Answer: A sleep symptom of concussion (sleeping more than usual)

Sleeping more than usual is a recognized sleep symptom of concussion and should be documented as part of ongoing symptom monitoring.