A concussion is defined as a ‘trauma-induced alteration in mental status that may or may not involve loss of consciousness.’ A concussion may be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.

Common Signs and Symptoms include

Headache, Pressure in the Head, Neck Pain, Nausea or Vomiting, Dizziness, Blurry Vision, Balance Problems, Sensitivity to Light, Sensitivity to Noise, Feeling Slowed Down, Feeling Like in a Fog, Difficulty Concentrating, Difficulty Remembering, Fatigue or Low Energy, Confusion, Drowsiness, Trouble Falling Asleep, More Emotional than Normal, Irritability, Sadness, Nervous or Anxious

Concussion signs and symptoms can appear immediately or may not be noticed until days or even weeks after the initial injury.

Following a concussion, students may have difficulties with short- and long-term memory, concentration and organization. They may require rest while recovering from injury (e.g., limit texting, video games, loud movies, or reading), and may also need to limit school attendance for a few days. As they return to school, the schedule might need to start with a few classes or a half-day. If recovery from a concussion is taking longer than expected, they may also benefit from a reduced class schedule and/or limited homework; a formal school assessment may also be necessary. Your school or physician can help suggest and make these changes. Students should complete the Return to Learn guidelines, successfully returning to a full school day and normal academic activities, before returning to play (unless your physician makes other recommendations). Go to the CIF website (cifstate.org) for more information on Return to Learn.

Concussion symptoms should be completely gone before returning to competition. A RTP progression is a gradual, step-wise increase in physical effort, sports-specific activities and then finally unrestricted activities. If symptoms worsen with activity, the progression should be stopped. If there are no symptoms the next day, exercise can be restarted at the previous stage. RTP after concussion should occur only with medical clearance from a physician trained in the evaluation and management of concussions, and a step-wise progression program monitored by the identified Concussion Monitor. Please see cifstate.org for a graduated return to play plan. [AB 2127, a California state law effective 1/1/15, states that return to play (i.e., full competition) must be no sooner than 7 days after the concussion diagnosis has been made by a physician.]