Concussion Education

House Bill 632  Section 1: must provide a link on their websites to CDC guidelines and educational materials.  Section 2: Applies to Middle School, Junior High School and High School athletics.  Section 3: Mandates education to parents and athletes  Section 4: Removal from play protocols established by schools  Section 5: Return to play protocols  Section 6: Liability  Section 7: Youth Sport Organizations To learn more on Idaho Concussion Law visit:

Definition of Concussion  Type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, 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 fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth

Signs and Symptoms Headache/pressure, blurred vision, dizziness, ringing in ears Nausea/vomiting, sensitive to light, poor balance/coordination Physical Feel in a “fog”, “slowed down”, “dazed” Confused, slurred speech, easily distracted, amnesia Cognitive Personality change, anxiety, sadness, lack of motivation Emotional Fatigue, drowsy, excess/lack of sleep, trouble sleeping Maintenance

Observable Signs by Others Observe your Athlete at home !  Dazed  Confused  Forgets instruction  Clumsy  Slow to answer questions  Mood shifts  Cannot recall events  Sluggish, foggy, groggy  Nausea or vomiting  Double or blurry vision  Sensitive to light  Concentration is difficult  Not “feeling right” Signs observed by Parent or Guardian Symptoms Reported by Athlete

Concussion Education  Tips for prevention :  Wear correct protective equipment  Follow coaches’ rules for safety  Encourage good sportsmanship at all times  Risk with continued play after concussion  Second Impact Syndrome Though rare, SIS is rapid swelling of the brain. Most instances are fatal, those who live through SIS are often severely disabled.

What to do if you suspect someone has sustained a concussion Parents 1. Keep your teen out of play 2. Seek medical attention 3. Teach your teen that it’s not smart to play with a concussion 4. Inform coach, athletic trainer, school nurse Athletes 1. Tell the coach, athletic trainer, or parents 2. Get a medical check up 3. Give yourself time to heal

Graduated Return to Play Action Plan To be done by Health Care Professional Step 0 Cognitive Rest Step 1 Light Aerobic Exercise Step 2 Moderate Exercise Step 3 Non-contact Exercise Step 4 Practice Step 5 Return to Competition Stepwise progression allows the athlete 24 hours between each step without symptoms

Resources for parents, athletes and coaches    