What are the red flags of a concussion that a coach must recognize after a fight or sparring session?

• A. Headache, confusion, dizziness, amnesia, clumsiness, double vision, nausea, sensitivity to light/noise, and any loss of consciousness
• B. Muscle soreness in legs only
• C. Normal appetite
• D. Improved reaction time

Answer: (C)

After a fight or sparring, any signs that point to a brain injury must be treated seriously and handled quickly. Red flags are symptoms that indicate a concussion may have occurred and require medical evaluation and removal from further activity.

The signs you’re looking for are: headache, confusion, dizziness or trouble with balance, amnesia for the event, clumsiness or poor coordination, double vision, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light or noise, and any loss of consciousness. Each of these signals problems with brain function. Headache and confusion show cognitive disruption; dizziness and clumsiness reflect impaired balance and motor control; amnesia indicates memory disturbance; vision changes like double vision point to how the brain and eyes are processing information; nausea/vomiting can accompany brain irritation; sensitivity to light or noise shows sensory processing changes; loss of consciousness is a particularly urgent indicator of a more serious injury.

If any of these signs appear, the athlete should be removed from competition immediately and should not return that day. Arrange medical evaluation as soon as possible. If symptoms worsen or emergency signs appear—such as severe or increasing headache, repeated vomiting, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, neck pain, seizures, or unresponsiveness—seek urgent medical care.

The other options don’t describe concussion red flags: normal appetite and improved reaction time aren’t symptoms of a brain injury, and leg muscle soreness isn’t a concussion sign either.