Concussion

Management

Concussion 101:

Concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury.
A concussion can be caused by a hard hit or fall to the head, neck, OR body.
Every concussion is different; symptoms and recovery are different for everyone.
Trained healthcare providers are the only ones who can diagnose and treat concussions.
Post-concussion syndrome happens in 1 out of 5 concussions.
Not reporting a concussion and not resting after injury puts you at risk for lasting damage or fatality. All concussions are serious.
You can sleep after a concussion, as long as there aren't danger signs which need to be evaluated by a physician.

Concussion Signs and Symptoms:

Headache
Pressure in the head
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light/noise
Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Balance problems

Fatigue or low energy
Blurry vision
Feeling slowed down or "in a fog"
Neck pain
Confusion
More emotional (irritable, depressed, anxious)

When to call 9-1-1:

Loss of consciousness
Worsening headache
Continued vomiting
Seizures/Convulsive activity
Fluid or blood draining from nose or ears
Weakness or Loss of limb function (cannot walk or move arms)

Slurred speech or changes in speech
Vision or eye disturbances, such as pupils that are bigger than normal (dilated pupils) or pupils of unequal sizes
Immediate bruising under eyes or behind ears

Concussion Management:

ALWAYS talk to your athletic trainer if you are having these symptoms, especially after a hard hit or fall. The athletic trainer will assess the athlete for a concussion using a combination of memory, concentration, cognition, and neurological tests, as well as recording the presentation of symptoms. ANY ATHLETE DIAGNOSED WITH A CONCUSSION SHALL NOT RETURN TO ACTIVITY FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DAY.

After a concussion, the athletic trainer will administer and assist the athlete with his/her Return to Learn and Return to Play protocols. This will require the student to report to the athletic trainer DAILY for proper completion of the protocols.

Return to Learn (RTL): The Return to Learn protocol is the gradual return to school and cognitive activities after sustaining a concussion. The athletic trainer will be in communication with the athlete's parents, teachers, nurse, and administration throughout this process for the correct use of accommodations based on the student's symptoms. The student will not be allowed physical activity during these stages.

Return to Play (RTP): The Return to Play protocol may begin once the athlete is no longer having symptoms with cognitive and daily activities (after completion of RTL). It MUST be completed and monitored by a designated health care provider (e.g. the athletic trainer). During these stages, the athletic trainer will be in communication with the coaches for the proper gradual return to sports. Each stage will be completed every 24 hours as long as the athlete does not show symptoms during activity. Thus, the RTP protocol can be completed in at least 5 days.

Please use the CDC's HEADS UP Concussion resource below for more information!

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