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What Should I Do If I Think I have a Concussion?
What Should I Do If I Think I have a Concussion?
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of brain injury, and its symptoms can vary depending on the area of the brain affected and the severity of the injury. To better understand how to recognize a concussion, please review the resource links below.
Report the Injury Immediately
Children and teens with a suspected concussion should NEVER return to sports or recreation activities on the same day the injury occurred. They should delay returning to their activities until a healthcare provider experienced in evaluating for concussion says it’s OK to return to play. This means, until permitted, not returning to:
• Physical Education (PE) class
• Sports practices or games
• Physical activity at recess
What Is a Concussion Management Team (CMT)?
Concussion care and recovery require a collaborative approach involving medical professionals, the school team, and the family. At school, the Concussion Management Team (CMT) is responsible for supporting the student’s safe return to both academics and athletics.
The School CMT includes:
Athletic Trainer
School Nurse
School Counselor
Assistant Principal
Athletic Director
This team works together to monitor symptoms, implement academic accommodations, and guide the student through return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols.
RSU21 Athletic Injury?
RSU21 Athletic Injury?
Notify both the Athletic Trainer (AT) and the Coach.
The AT will evaluate your child. If a concussion is suspected, your child will be referred to their Primary Healthcare Provider (HCP).
School Concussion Management Team (CMT) will inform teachers and other select staff about the injury and any recommendations made by the HCP.
Injury: Non Athletic
Injury: Non Athletic
Report to the school Nurse
Contact the students Primary Healthcare Provider (HCP).
The Concussion Management Team will share information about the injury and a Concussion Report outlining a recovery plan.
The recovery is specific to the student, nature and degree of injury, and symptoms throughout.
Athletic Trainers
Athletic Trainers
Arlene Verre LAT, ATC: averre@rsu21.net
Alex Fusco LAT, ATC: afusco@rsu21.net
RSU21 Nurses
RSU21 Nurses
- KES: Leah Roberts, RN lroberts@rsu21.net
- KCS: Ann Pfister, RN apfister@rsu21.net
- MLD: Kelly Brown, RN kbrown@rsu21.net
- SRS: Abby Farnum, RN afarnum@rsu21.net
- MSK: Amy Murphy, RN amurphy@rsu21.net
- KHS: Brooke Price, RN bprice@rsu21.net
Concussion: Progressive Recovery Support
Concussion: Progressive Recovery Support
Your AT/nurse will work with your healthcare provider (HCP) and your school Concussion Management Team(CMT). Your academic return to learn will be a gradual process based upon your concussion symptoms. If needed academic modifications will be temporarily implemented in conjunction with a gradual and incremental increase in cognitive load.
Return to Learn
Return to Learn
Below is a link for return to learn strategies and goals for increasing cognitive load.
Return to Sport
Return to Sport
Returning to sports will be a gradual process. Your AT/nurse will work with your HCP and guide you through this process.
Needed to Return to Sports:
Full return to academics without concussion symptoms
Normal neurocognitive tests: ImPact test, Vestibular Ocular Motor Screen (VOMs), Balance test (BESS)
Written medical clearance from your HCP to progress back to sports
Completed RSU21 Return to Sports Protocol
*** You must obtain written medical clearance from your HCP prior to returning to full unrestricted participation in sports.***
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