If your child is diagnosed with a concussion, it is important to contact the school nurse. Please submit all documentation to the school nurse.

The nurse will be able to work with you and your child's healthcare provider to set up accommodations that will apply to your child until they have completely recovered.  Below please find helpful resources for parents about managing concussions.  

Concussion Information

Westwood High School has created a comprehensive concussion policy in compliance with Massachusetts regulations put forth by the Department of Public Health. This policy addresses the needs of the total student-athlete, from both an academic and athletic standpoint. Please refer to our complete policy here.

If you suspect your child has sustained a concussion:

• Schedule an appointment with their provider. Diagnosis of a concussion must be received by a provider. 

• Provide paperwork from the provider to the school nurse so a plan can be developed.

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?

A concussion is a physiologic brain injury resulting from a sudden blow or hit to the head, or the body. A concussion results in an alteration of normal brain function and can present with a wide variety of signs and symptoms. A concussion is a very individualized injury. No two are the same, even if occurring to the same athlete.

At Westwood High School, we take a comprehensive, team approach to concussion management. The Athletic Trainer and School Nurses act as point people to respectively address the athletic and academic concerns of the the student athlete. The Athletic Trainer communicates the athlete's status with the coaches and Athletic Director, while the Nurses do so with the athlete's teachers and guidance counselor.

We also maintain a consultation agreement with Dr. Neal McGrath of Sports Concussion New England, a clinical neuropsychologist and concussion expert. Dr. McGrath provides phone and email consultation with the Athletic Trainer and School Nurse, and when appropriate will have office visits with student-athletes whose concussion cases are prolonged or more complex. Input from Dr. McGrath, the athlete's family physician and any attending concussion clinics is factored into the management of the injury.

ImPACT Testing at Westwood High School

Westwood High School has utilized ImPACT, (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), the most widely used and most scientifically validated computerized neurocognitive test. Athletes who play collision/contact sports are administered baseline tests at Westwood High School every 2 years and post-injury testing can be administered here for any athlete, whether they have had a baseline test or not. It is also important to note that neurocognitive testing is simply "one tool in the tool box" and not the sole determining factor in Return To Play decisions.

Signs & Symptoms of Concussion can include:

• • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Fatigue

  • Balance Problems

  • Retrograde Amnesia

  • Anterograde Amnesia

  • Light Sensitivity

  • Noise Sensitivity

  • Difficulty falling asleep

  • Drowsiness

  • Sleeping more or less than usual

  • Irritability

  • Feeling mentally foggy

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Nervousness

  • Sadness

  • Feeling slowed down

  • Feeling more emotional

  • Any combination of these Signs and Symptoms could be present with a concussion.

CONCUSSION CLINIC REFERENCES*: 

Beth Israel Deaconess Concussion Clinic 

Boston Children's Concussion Clinic

Boston Medical Concussion

  ImPACT

Mass General Concussion Clinic 

Sports Concussion New England 

*These resources are not endorced by WPS, simply for your reference. Consult with your provider.

Other Resources:

 CDC Heads UP Concussion Information

Concussion On-Line Training-National Federation of coaches

Concussion On-Line Training-CDC

MA Sports related concussions