Concussion information

In an effort to maintain the health and safety of our students, Maine Township High Schools have adopted protocols (procedures) for diagnosing concussions and monitoring student progress towards recovery. The following protocol (procedures) reflects current best practices and recommendations as outlined by the Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport, the 3^rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport, the National Federation of High Schools, and the Illinois High School Association and the State of Illinois Youth Sports Concussion Safety Act (Public Act 099-0245)

Concussion – Definition

A complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain induced by traumatic biomechanical forces. Several common features that incorporate clinical, pathologic and biomechanical injury constructs that may be utilized in defining the nature of a concussive head injury.

Concussion – Causes

Concussions may be caused either by a direct blow to the head, face, neck or elsewhere on the body with an “impulsive” force transmitted to the head. Concussions typically result in the rapid onset of short-lived impairment of neurologic function that resolves spontaneously. Concussions may result in neurologic changes, but the acute clinical symptoms largely reflect a functional disturbance rather than a structural injury. Concussion results in a graded set of clinical symptoms that may or may not involve loss of consciousness. Resolution of the clinical and cognitive symptoms typically follows a sequential course. It is important to note that, in a small percentage of cases, post concussion symptoms may be prolonged. No abnormality on standard structural neuroimaging studies have been seen in concussion.

Concussion – Signs and Symptoms

A diagnosis of a concussion can include one or more of the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Temporary loss of memory
• Blurred vision
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty focusing
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to sound
• Nausea
• Ringing in the ears
• Feeling like they are in a ‘Fog’
• Irritable
• Emotional