A concussion is defined as a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth.
Signs and symptoms of a concussion
Signs observed by parents or guardians
- Appears dazed or stunned
- Is confused about events
- Answers questions slowly
- Repeats questions
- Can’t recall events prior to the hit, bump or fall
- Can’t recall events after the hit, bump or fall
- Loses consciousness (even briefly)
- Shows behavior or personality changes
- Forgets class schedule or assignments
Symptoms reported by your child or teen
Thinking and Remembering:
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Feeling more slowed down
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
Physical:
- Headache or “pressure” in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems of dizziness
- Fatigue or feeling tired
- Blurry or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Numbness or tingling
- Does not “feel right”
Emotional:
- Irritable
- Sad
- More emotional than usual
- Nervous
*Sleep:
- Drowsy
- Sleeps less than usual
- Sleeps more than usual
- Has trouble falling asleep
*Only ask about sleep symptoms if the injury occurred on a prior day.
If a concussion is suspected proceed with the following steps:
- Remove child from event
- Refer to Concussion Danger Signs information sheet for immediate medical evaluation
- Evaluate child using Concussion Checklist provided
- Inform parent or guardian
- Refer for medical evaluation if indicated in accordance with the Concussion Checklist
- Continue to monitor child until child is under parental or medical supervision.
- Notify school nurse – File incident report
Communication is the key between athletes, coaches, parents, athletic trainers, school nurse and AD
If no immediate medical attention is needed:
- Remove child from event
- Refer to Concussion Danger Signs information sheet for immediate medical evaluation
- Monitor/Act
- Coach gives copy of Concussion Checklist to School Nurse Suzan Weber
- Mrs. Weber examines athlete the following day
Return to Play Guidelines
After a concussion has been diagnosed, proceed with the following steps:
- Documented medical clearance is required by a medical doctor before the child may return to physical education and/or sports
- The child should not return to physical education and/or sports until the child is totally asymptomatic for a period of 24 hours and cleared by the doctor (including after exercise)
- The child must complete the Return to Play Protocol provided before he or she may return to physical education and/or sports
- The return to play protocol must be completed at school with the coach and nurse monitoring progress