What you need to know

A type of brain injury that changes how the brain normally works. Kids and Teens are at greatest risk

 All Concussions are Serious  Most Concussions occur without loss of consciousness  Recognition and Response when they first occur aid recovery or further injury

 Appears dazed or stunned  Confused about events  Answers questions slowly  Repeats questions  Can’t recall events prior to injury  Can’t recall evens after injury  Loses Consciousness  Shows behavior or personality changes  Forgets class schedule or assignments

Thinking  Difficulty thinking clearly  Difficulty concentrating  Difficulty remembering  Feeling more slowed down  Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy

Emotional/sleep  Irritable  Sad  More emotional than usual  Nervous Sleep  Drowsy  Sleep more or less than usual  Having trouble falling asleep

 Headache or pressure in head  Nausea and/or vomiting  Balance problems/dizziness  Fatigue  Changes in vision  Sensitivity to light or noise  Numbness or tingling

 Symptoms worsen over time  Eye pupils not equal  Drowsiness or cannot be awakened  Persistent Headache- does not go away  Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination  Repeated vomiting and nausea  Slurred speech

 Difficulty recognizing people/places  Increasing confusion, agitation  Unusual behavior  Loss of consciousness

 Teachers may be the first to recognize symptoms Send to school nurse if:  Any kind of forceful blow to head or event that results in rapid movement of the head.  Any Change in Student’s behavior, thinking, or physical functioning

 Never return to sports or rec activity same day injury occurred.  Needs evaluated by health care professional  Needs to be symptom free before returning to activities which means no p.e., sports practices, games or physical activity at recess.

 May need 504 plan, team discussion  Some possible accommodations Prioritize assignments, both make-up and new work Allow extra time to complete assignments No tests, quizzes or assessments first week returned to classroom Limit to 1 test per day Go to clinic as needed Limit participation in p.e., recess, and sports per dr. recommendations

 Receive help with school work  Shortened school day  Reduce time on computer, reading or writing  Allow breaks as needed  Contact guidance or school nurse with concerns in classroom or recovery.

Geared toward student athletes, but can be for overall students Day 1: Light Aerobic Exercise 30 min. total Goal is to increase heart rate Day 2: Increase duration & intensity exercise Goal is to increase heart rate and add movements

Day 3: Increase Exercise Goal increase heart rate, add movement, no potential head contact activities Day 4: Continual increase activity Goal to increase heart rate, involve coordination, and cognitive load to some exertion as long as symptom free Day 5: Continue to Full Activity If no symptoms on exertion. Can resume full activity

If Symptoms return must, fall back to previous day/level.

 Each concussion is different  Typical recovery is 2-3 weeks, some symptoms may last longer  Treatment is cognitive rest for the brain and body

 Increase cognitive demand Symptoms worsen- Discontinue activity for 20 min.  If symptom improve with rest-re-start activity at or below same level  If symptom does not improve after 20 min. rest- discontinue activity and resume when symptoms have lessened.

 If in doubt, sit it out!  Listen to student symptoms  Refer to athletic trainer or school nurse with questions.  Confirmation Quiz Confirmation Quiz

 Center for Disease Control:  Heads Up Youth sports: Online Training for coaches.  childrens.org/concussions