Concussions
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. ~Centers for Disease Control and Prevention~
Uxbridge High School seeks to prevent concussions and provide a safe return to activity, both academic and athletic, after a head injury. The management of students who have sustained a concussion requires education, supervision, and close collaboration between students, parents/guardians, school nurses and, when applicable, the athletic trainer, coach, athletic director, administrator, guidance counselor, teachers, and medical professionals.
The nurse and athletic trainer (if applicable) will collaborate to ensure prompt identification of student concussion and/or head injury symptoms in order to initiate an appropriate management plan.
Students with suspected head injury symptoms must be evaluated by the their primary care physician for proper diagnosis.
Parents/Guardians must contact the school nurse prior to returning to school following a head injury.
The nurse will initiate the Post Head Injury Return to Academic and Athletics Protocol for parents, staff, and the student to follow to receive accommodations as recommended by their physician.
Student athletes must obtain medical clearance from his/her physician before returning to play.
Student athlete's (grade 8-12) will report to the Athletic Trainer or coach when cleared by a physician, the AT or coach will initiate the return to play protocol.
Students with concussions, not involved with Uxbridge Athletics, must also have medical clearance from a physician before resuming physical education class.
For protocol details please see the following links for more information: