Concussion Information


Westwood High School has created a comprehensive concussion policy in compliance with Massachusetts regulations put forth by the Department of Public Health. This policy addresses the needs of the total student-athlete, from both an academic and athletic standpoint. Please refer to our complete policy here.

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?

A concussion is a physiologic brain injury resulting from a sudden blow or hit to the head, or the body. A concussion results in an alteration of normal brain function and can present with a wide variety of signs and symptoms. A concussion is a very individualized injury. No two are the same, even if occurring to the same athlete.

At Westwood High School, we take a comprehensive, team approach to concussion management. The Athletic Trainer and School Nurse act as point people to respectively address the athletic and academic concerns of the the student athlete. The Athletic Trainer communicates the athlete's status with the coaches and Athletic Director, while the Nurse does so with the athlete's teachers and guidance counselor.


As of Fall 2021, Westwood High School will be utilizing Sway. The Sway Medical platform is an all-in-one accessible mobile solution that collects rapid objective data for balance testing, cognitive testing and symptom tracking. Sway utilizes smartphone technology where both baseline and follow-up testing can be administered in the field or wherever suitable.


Sway and ImPACT Testing at Westwood High School

Athletes who play collision/contact sports will be administered Sway baseline tests at Westwood High School every 2 years and post-injury testing can be administered immediately after a suspected incident and as many times as necessary during the course of recovery. Additionally, Westwood High School will continue to use ImPACT, the most scientifically validated computerized neurocognitive test for definitive, diagnosed concussion cases to provide further data and support for a safe return to play for our student-athletes.

Signs & Symptoms of Concussion can include:

          • Headache

          • Dizziness

          • Nausea

          • Vomiting

          • Fatigue

          • Balance Problems

          • Retrograde Amnesia

          • Anterograde Amnesia

          • Light Sensitivity

          • Noise Sensitivity

          • Difficulty falling asleep

          • Drowsiness

          • Sleeping more or less than usual

          • Irritability

          • Feeling mentally foggy

          • Numbness or tingling

          • Nervousness

          • Sadness

          • Feeling slowed down

          • Feeling more emotional


          • Any combination of these Signs and Symptoms could be present with a concussion