Concussions in the School Setting Susan Theisen, ATC, LAT

Objectives: 1.Be able to define a concussion 2.Identify the common symptoms, features and physical findings of concussions 3.Guidelines in progression of concussion rehabilitation 1.Academic Accommodations 2.Athletic Intervention 3.Parent/Student Educatio n

A Few Facts…  The average concussion lasts 7-10 days.  Adolescents and children tend to have a longer duration of symptoms.  Preliminary studies suggest that patient’s with a delayed onset of symptoms may have a prolonged recovery.  Migraines, depression and ADHD can prolong concussions as well.

Common Symptoms Headache/Head Pressure Balance disturbances Dizziness Nausea Feeling “foggy” Visual Problems Hearing changes Irritability or emotionality

Concussion Defined A complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces. There are between 1.6 and 3.8 million sport-related concussions per year. 207,830 sport-related concussions are seen in the Emergency Departments annually. Most commonly seen in football, boxing, hockey, wrestling, rugby, and soccer.

Steps if student athlete is diagnosed with a concussion : 1. Notify parents/guardian with a phone call and letter from athletic trainer If injury occurs at a BCHS event, practice, or on BCHS property an incident report needs to be filled out and sent to Jolene Bagge our school nurse. 2. If student athlete has gone to doctor a note needs to be sent to school nurse. She will make copies for athletic trainer, athletic director, coaches, and teachers. 3. Athletic Intervention: Athletic Trainer and Coaches are notified, if not done already. Medical recommendations for return-to-play are followed. Supervise the physical recovery. Maintain contact with athlete and parents during recovery and return-to-play process.

4. Academic Intervention: Academic Accommodation Plan is created based on medical recommendations, best practices, and available resources. Plan is sent to all teachers/coaches regarding the accommodations. Supervise the academic and social/emotional recovery. (Nurse will be in charge of supervision with help from counselor, and faculty). Maintain contact with student and parents during recovery and return-to-learn process. 5. Parent/Student Education: Concussion Protocol is shared with student and parents Expectations regarding return-to-learn are explicitly stated. Open communication with faculty, counselor, etc. Adherence to physician recommendations. Limit noise, light, screen technology, etc. Attendance at dances, sports, and trips

Our end result: Return to learn Return to play