Grayslake Central High School Changing the Mindset Around Concussion Injury in Sports

Why are we doing this?  To increase concussion awareness  To aid in prevention of long term consequences of concussion

Why are we doing this?  To increase concussion awareness  To aid in prevention of long term consequences of concussion  New legislation – HB200

Why are we doing this?  To increase concussion awareness  To aid in prevention of long term consequences of concussion  New legislation – HB200  To provide better care for student athletes

HB200 – Concussion Management  A student athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in a practice or game shall be removed from participation or competition at that time.  A student athlete who has been removed from an interscholastic contest for possible concussion or head injury cannot return to that contest unless cleared by physician licensed to practice medicine or a certified athletic trainer.  If not cleared to return to that contest, a student athlete cannot return to play or practice until they have provided the school with written clearance from a physician licensed to practice medicine or a certified athletic trainer working in conjunction with physician licensed to practice medicine.

What is a Concussion?  A complex injury to the brain caused by a traumatic force resulting in many different symptoms or signs  Can happen in any sport  Different in each athlete  No LOC necessary

High School Sports SportConcussion (% >21 days) Boy’s football5.9% Boy’s soccer11.8% Girl’s soccer7.7% Girl’s volleyball8.9% Boy’s basketball1.2% Girl’s basketball6.6% Boy’s wrestling3.3% Boy’s baseball1.4% Girl’s softball1.2%

Concussion Myths

“You have to be hit in the head to have a concussion”  False  A concussion can result from a large blow to the head, neck, or body

“Concussions are not a big deal”  False  Playing while still concussed puts you at great risk

Recent studies are linking long term recurrent concussions with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) Healthy brain, age 65: Former NFL player: Former boxer

“Kids bounce back quicker from concussion”  False  Pediatric brains take longer to recover  Risk of “second impact syndrome”

“You should get a CT or MRI for a concussion”  False  A concussion is a brain injury that results in no changes being seen on a CT or MRI of your brain.  The studies may be helpful in ruling out other possible injuries when warranted.

Concussion Symptoms  Headache  Feeling in a fog, sluggish, or groggy  Increased emotions or irritable  Amnesia  Confusion  Nausea &/or vomiting  Loss of consciousness

Concussion Symptoms  Balance Problems  Dizziness  Blurred or double vision  Sensitivity to light or noise  Concentration or memory problems  Slowed reaction time  Change in sleep pattern

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy - Linked to recurrent concussions and may cause - Depression - Increased suicidal or homicidal tendencies - Decreased income level - Decreased intelligence NFL study 2007

What do you do if you think you may have a concussion?  Stop exercise, practice, or game  Immediately contact your athletic trainer or team physician  If your athletic trainer or physician is not available, inform one of your coaches

How can I speed up my recovery?  Don’t try to hide a concussion  Be honest about symptoms  Brain rest

What if I don’t tell someone?  It is your brain you are risking  The sooner the someone is aware, the sooner you will be treated.  The sooner you are treated, the faster you will recover