Concussion Management

Definition

Concussions are injuries to the brain that change the way it normally functions. This type of head injury occurs when the head or body is jolted or hit to such a degree that the head whips back and forth and the brain is slammed against the skull. This movement of the brain inside the head can result in a mild to severe brain injury. It is believed that a young developing brain is more vulnerable to injury.

Identification

Any student who is observed to, or suspected of, sustaining a significant blow or jolt to the body may have suffered a concussion. Symptoms may appear immediately, in a few hours or over several days. Symptoms may include the following: amnesia, confusion, headache, double vision, nausea, poor concentration, fatigue. Seek emergent care for a headache that worsens over time, seizures, looks extremely drowsy and cannot be awakened, repeated vomiting, cannot recognize people or places, agitation, loss of consciousness, changes in behavior.

Diagnosis and post-concussion management

The diagnosis of a concussion must be made by a qualified medical provider. If your student is evaluated over the weekend or in the evening at Urgent care, please call your child's primary care provider for a follow-up appointment. Students will require both cognitive and physical rest during their recovery which may take up to 3 weeks or longer. The medical provider guides this transition back to academic and physical activities by a written "return to school" plan that the nurse must receive in order to communicate accommodations to teachers, guidance and administration. This plan is updated by the provider at subsequent appointments and parents are strongly encouraged to keep these visits. Clearance for sports must come thru the medical provider and be given to the coach or the nurse.

If as student reports "concussion" to YMS staff member without a medical diagnosis, the nurse should be notified and will follow up with parents regarding in school management as outlined above

If symptoms persist for an extended time after medical diagnosis and plan is being followed, a 504 determination meeting will be considered.