Concussion Information

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury that causes physical and cognitive impairment. Concussions can occur with or without a loss of consciousness, and proper management is essential to the immediate safety and long-term future of the injured individual. The effects of repeated concussions can be cumulative, and if a student sustains a second concussion while symptomatic, the risk of catastrophic injury or death increases significantly.


Concussion Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms generally show up soon after the injury. However, you may not know how serious the injury is at first and some symptoms may not show up for hours or days. For example, in the first few minutes your child or teen might be a little confused or a bit dazed, but an hour later your child might not be able to remember how he or she got hurt.
Children and teens who show or report one or more of the signs and symptoms listed below, or simply say they just “don’t feel right” after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, may have a concussion or more serious brain injury. (CDC)

  • Headache or “pressure” in head.

  • Nausea or vomiting.

  • Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision.

  • Bothered by light or noise.

  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.

  • Confusion, or concentration or memory problems.

  • Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”

  • Appears dazed or stunned.

  • Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position, or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent.

  • Moves clumsily.

  • Answers questions slowly.

  • Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes.