In May 2011, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed a law to reduce head injuries among student athletes. It requires coaches, officials, parents and athletes to learn more about concussion. The measure also sidelines players after an injury until a doctor clears them to play.
The law goes into effect during the fall 2011 sports season. Read the law on
revisor.mn.gov/law.
Concussion symptoms?
If you think your athlete has had a concussion, immediately take these steps:
- Take him or her out of play.
- Seek advice from a health care professional experienced in evaluating concussions.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if he or she:
- passes out
- or has trouble breathing
- or has a severe headache
- or has seizures
- or experiences worsening of concussion symptoms below
Seek medical attention if an athlete has taken a blow to the head and shows any of these symptoms:
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
- problems concentrating or confusion - forgets sports plays
- memory problems
- balance issues or dizziness
- double or blurry vision
- sensitive to light or sounds
- feeling hazy, foggy or groggy
- dazed or "not feeling right"