Schools now have stricter rules when it comes to athletes and concussions.
Under a law that went into effect Monday, student athletes cannot return to the field within 24 hours of a head injury, and must be evaluated by a physician.
Coaches, trainers, nurses and school employees must take classes in concussion management.
These changes are aimed at reducing the long term effect of concussions.
"I think it's real important for parents to become educated, because realistically, their son or daughter can go out into the athletic field and come back permanently brain damaged or dead,” said Dr. Don Brady. “And that's not an exaggeration, that's a fact."
Dr. Brady says some symptoms include appearing dazed or stunned, forgetting events before or after the concussion, and losing consciousness, even briefly.
