Boy Scouts of America

Concussions

SUMMARY

A concussion, also known as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), is an injury that results from a blow to the head causing an alteration of brain function. Concussions may also be due to falls or blows to the body that cause the brain to move quickly back and forth.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Concussions are difficult to diagnose and are often called “invisible injuries.” It is important to note that in 90 percent of all youth-related concussions, there is no loss of consciousness. Most people with concussions recover quickly and fully, but for some the symptoms can last for days, weeks, or longer. Recovery may be slower among young children and teenagers. Those who have had a concussion in the past are at greater risk for another one, and recovery may take longer the second time.

Signs and symptoms of a concussion injury may include

  • Headache (the most common symptom)
  • Confusion
  • Forgetfulness
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of balance or coordination
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Blurry or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Sleepiness or lethargy
  • Personality changes
  • Loss of consciousness, brief or prolonged
    (Note: This does not occur with all concussions.)

TREATMENT

Rest in a quiet, darkened area, such as a tent away from activities. Adult leaders should monitor the patient for any change in symptoms. Keep the patient calm and quiet. Allow them to sleep if needed—it is no longer recommended to keep someone with a concussion awake. Limit reading and use of electronics.

If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or become worse, or if new symptoms appear, the person needs to be evaluated by a physician even if it requires evacuation or removal from an activity. Immediate evacuation should occur if

  • The headache becomes worse
  • There is repeated vomiting
  • The patient suffers a seizure
  • Drowsiness increases or the patient can’t be awakened
  • Speech is slurred
  • The patient seems confused or irritable
  • There is increased dizziness or imbalance
  • The patient feels weakness or numbness in the arms or legs

Anyone with a suspected concussion should be evaluated by a physician.

RESOURCES

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.