Districts, doctors work to protect student-athletes from concussions

He said if there is any concern about a concussion the first step is to take the child out of the game right away. He said youths might be hesitant to leave the game, but that in itself could be one of the signs of a concussion.

“Part of a concussion is your brain is not working properly,” Pont said. “Some signs of concussion could be anger, irritation and confusion, so if [athletes] get angry it could be a sign they are concussed.”

Pont said physicians used to believe that the loss of consciousness was the main indicator of if a concussion needs to be treated, but now research shows that even mild concussions can be severe if not treated immediately.

“If there’s any concern about concussion, they need to be pulled from play and examined by a physician and a primary care provider,” he said.

Pont said concussions are very common, and parents and athletes should think of them the same way they think of ankle or knee injuries.

He said there is a perception concussions mainly happen during football, but athletes can be prone to the injury while participating in other sports. He said girls playing sports actually receive more concussions than males who play the same sport.

In 2011, Texas legislators signed into law House Bill 2038, also known as Natasha’s Law, mandating training for coaches and athletic trainers. It provides that students must sign a form explaining concussion prevention, symptoms, treatment and guidelines for safely resuming athletics after a concussion.