1. Appoquinimink School District
Concussions
Appoquinimink School District

2. The Purpose of the Presentation:
Present concussion awareness & its impact on quality of life.
Educate staff and families on concussions, signs & symptoms, and treatment
Learn what Appoquinimink School District and the community are doing for students diagnosed with concussions.

3. Concussion - Spotlight
National Football League
Former players suffer from concussions
Resulting in depression, dementia, and suicide
National public health concern
Children and adolescents are among those at greatest risk for concussions
Huge impact on education due to effects on learning ability

4. What is a Concussion?
Concussion
A type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change how 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

5. Signs and symptoms Difficulty thinking clearly Headache
Fuzzy/Blurred Vision
Nausea/Vomiting
Dizzy
Sensitive to light
Balance problems
Feeling tired/No energy
Irritability, sadness, more emotional, anxiety
Sleep disturbances

6. Danger signs Headache that gets worse and doesn’t go away
Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
Repeated vomiting/nausea
Slurred speech

7. Concussion-911 •Drowsy or cannot be awakened
•One pupil larger than the other
•Seizures
•Cannot recognize people or places
•Getting more and more confused, restless or agitated
•Unusual behavior
•Lose consciousness

8. Keep in mind… Symptoms may appear immediately or days to weeks later!!
If a person suffers a 2nd concussion while still recovering from a previous concussion, the post concussion symptoms can be worse and last longer

9. Key Points
Concussion is an invisible injury, so changes in a student’s thinking, learning, and behavior may be blamed on other causes
People themselves might wonder if they’re “crazy” because they can’t see or feel the brain injury, only its effects

10. What should you do if you suspect that someone has a concussion?
Remove them from all exercise and activity. DON”T “TOUGH IT OUT!”
Children with a concussion should NEVER return to sports or recreational activities on the same day the injury occurred.

11. What should you do if you suspect that someone has a concussion?
Seek medical attention immediately from their pediatrician or from the ER
Communicate with their day care providers, coaches, trainers, school nurses, and schools to ensure compliance with the prescribed plan for recovery.

12. Concussion Treatment Comprehensive Concussion Program at Nemours
Complete physical and mental rest.
No tv, reading, video games.
School accommodations when return to school.
90% of children will recover within 4-6 weeks.

13. Appoquinimink’s Concussion protocol
Requires pre-return meeting with parent, student, administrator, counselor, teachers, and nurse
If the student has an adjusted school day, then the student must check in with the nurse daily
The school counselor is the liaison for all teachers
The goal is to assist the student with a successful return to the classroom

14. Questions?
Some of the information in this presentation was obtained from Nemours and from the CDC