What should you provide to the parents when an athlete is suspected of having a concussion?

Providing a checklist of signs and symptoms of a concussion to the parents is essential for several reasons. First, it helps parents identify any changes in their child’s condition that may indicate a concussion. Recognizing these signs early can be critical for effective management and recovery. The symptoms of a concussion can vary widely and may not always be immediately apparent, so equipping parents with a checklist enables them to monitor their child's health closely after a potential injury.

Furthermore, this checklist facilitates communication between healthcare providers and families, ensuring that parents are informed and can make educated decisions regarding their child’s further medical evaluation and care. It ultimately promotes safer practices by promoting awareness of concussion management protocols.

While emergency contact information is important for emergencies, a physical therapy schedule is not immediately relevant in the case of suspected concussion, nor is information on concussion-related injuries as direct as providing a specific checklist of symptoms that parents need to be aware of in real-time.