Concussion Protocol

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