What is a Concussion? Concussions are head injuries that occur when the head changes directions quickly, whether due to direct impact or whiplash, causing the brain to hit the inside of the skull. This temporarily causes changes in blood flow to the brain, metabolic processes of the brain, and the way information is processed and stored in the brain. If not cared for properly, symptoms can linger long term and further brain injury may occur.
Common Signs and Symptoms:
Headache
Pressure in head
Neck pain
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Balance problems
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to noise
Feeling slowed down
Feeling like "in a fog"
"Don't feel right"
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty remembering
Fatigue or low energy
Confusion
Drowsiness
Trouble falling asleep
More emotional
Irritability
Sadness
Nervous or anxious
What is a Red Flag Symptom? Red flag signs and symptoms are rare signs and symptoms that can indicate more serious conditions that require IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION such as brain bleeds.
If you or your child experiences ANY of the following symptoms seek emergency medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
Severe Neck pain or tenderness
Seizure or convulsion
Double vision
Changes to level of consciousness
Weakness or tingling in arms/legs
Deteriorating conscious state
Repeated Vomiting
Severe or increasing headache
Severe Agitation or combativeness
Visible skull deformity
At Home Care: A lot of myths exist surrounding at home care of a concussion. The following recommendations are based on the NATA best practice guidelines, as well as most up to date and current research on concussion recovery.
Rest. Rest is an important part of concussion recovery. There is no need to wake the concussed person up throughout the night, and research shows letting them sleep aides in recovery.
Sleep Hygiene. In order to get good quality rest it is important to maintain good sleep hygiene. Do not just rest in a dark room doing nothing all day. Wake up for a bit, get out of bed, do a low stimulus activity that doesn't increase symptoms. If symptoms increase, you can always go back into bed and rest for a bit. Sleep in a cool dark room and avoid screens close to bed.
Low Intensity Movement. Going on short walks can help increase blood flow to the brain which aids in the healing process. If walking increases symptoms, stop and rest.
Symptom Limited Activities. Patients may participate in low stimulus activities as long as symptoms do not increase. If using screens doesn't increase symptoms, they can use screens, If doing puzzles does not increase symptoms they can do puzzles etc.
Avoid Moderate to High Intensity Activities. Under no circumstances should the patient participate in any activity more intense than a light walk without medical supervision and clearance. The Athletic Trainer will work closely with the patient on the clearance and rehabilitation procedures.
Accommodations. If the patient feels they need academic accommodations due to symptoms, please contact Geoff Burgess the AD or Gwen Stafford the ATC and they will communicate with the school to ensure needs are met. Communication can also occur directly with teachers, though they may need a note in order to get accommodations.
Return to Play Guidelines: North Attleboro Athletics utilizes the 6 step return to play protocol implemented in the NFL. These guidelines are backed up by current research and best practice to gradually return the athlete to sport without worsening the injury. Each step takes AT LEAST 24 hours to complete. Patients have to complete each step without experiencing ANY SYMPTOMS throughout the entire 24 hour period to move on to the next step. In order for a day to count as a step, a concussion symptom checklist must be completed before and after the activity with the Athletic Trainer. All steps must be supervised by the athletic trainer.
Return to Activities of Daily Living. Patient must go through an entire day without acommodations without experiencing symptoms. This includes a school day and classwork.
Light Aerobic Exercise. Patient will do 30 minutes on an exercise bike with minimal resistence under the supervision of the Athletic Trainer.
Moderate Aerobic Exercise. Patient will participate in 30 minutes of jogging under the supervision of the athletic trainer.
Non-Contact Practice. Patient will participate in a practice activities with team that do no require contact.
Full Practice. Patient will participate in a full practice with their team.
Return to Sport. Patient may return to full athletic participation and is cleared to participate in games.
What is Second Impact Syndrome? Second Impact syndrome occurs when a second brain injury occurs prior to the completion of healing from the first one. This can cause severe and lingering symptoms which can take athletes out of sport for a prolonged period of time, sometimes ending their athletic careers. This is why it is IMPERATIVE the return to play protocol is followed. This condition typically requires anything from a referral to a neurologist to emergency intervention.
What is Post Concussion Syndrome? Around 80-90% of concussions resolve after 7-10 days, however sometimes for whatever reason symptoms linger for longer than expected. When this occurs we call it post concussion syndrome. This typically requires referral to a neurologist for further care.
Online SWAY Testing:
The results are good for 2 years. Once you have registered, typically freshmen and juniors will receive an email from our Athletic Trainer. If you do not receive this email, please reach out to nreynolds@naschools.net.
This software allows our Athletic Trainer to administer baseline testing and monitor progress during concussion return-to-play protocols.