About Concussions
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Most people who experience concussions recover fully, but some concussion symptoms can be serious and may linger for days, weeks, or even months. It is important to give the brain time to heal after a concussion. A repeat incident that occurs before healing is complete can be very serious and may increase the risk of long-term health problems, lasting brain damage, brain swelling, or even death.
Any of the following may be signs of a concussion:
- Loss of consciousness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Clumsiness
- Short-term memory loss
- Changes in personality or behavior
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems
- Blurred or double vision
- Light or noise sensitivity
- Feeling sluggish, foggy, or groggy
- “Don’t feel right”
- Neck pain
- Heightened emotions, irritability, or anxiety
- Numbness/tingling or weakness of limb(s)
Note: Everyone working closely with students, including coaches, staff members, fellow students, parents, and students themselves, should be aware of and on the lookout for concussion signs.
Concussion Protocol
- You should screen for a concussion any time an unprotected fall, sudden whiplash-type head movement, or impact to the head, neck, face, or body has occurred. If a student exhibits any of the above signs of a concussion after an incident*, the student will be removed from activity immediately and should receive prompt medical attention.
- Call an ambulance if the student exhibits severe symptoms. For mild symptoms, fill out an incident report within 48 hours and consider filling out a concussion report for the student to share with a healthcare provider.
- The staff member removing the student must communicate the removal and the reason why to the student’s parents/relatives and all other coaches and staff members as soon as possible.
- The student will be prohibited from participation until cleared to return to activity in writing by a qualified healthcare provider trained in evaluating and managing concussive head injuries.
- A student with a confirmed concussion and clearance to return to activity must ease back in gradually, beginning with low-intensity movements and building progressively back up under the guidance of coaches. Consult this document and work with a healthcare provider in determining specific guidelines for returning to activity.
*Coaches or staff have the right to remove any student from activity after any fall, bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, regardless of whether that student exhibits signs of concussion or not. In some cases, concussion signs may not manifest until up to 48 hours after an incident. If coaches or staff members suspect a possible concussion, the student may be prohibited from returning to activity and monitored until at least 48 hours have gone by without any evidence of concussion signs.
