Concussion Information/Protocol

What is a Concussion? (Taken from the Center for Disease Control)

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.

Concussions should be taken seriously because they can produce changes in your child's brain, body, and behavior. 

Example signs and symptoms of a concussion:

• Bothered by light or noise
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Feeling tired, no energy/ sluggish/foggy/drowsy
• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Vision problems
• Appearing dazed, stunned, or confused 
• Memory loss
• Lack of concentration
• Answering questions more slowly than usual
• Headache
• Mood, behavior, or personality changes

If you suspect your student athlete has a concussion, make sure they seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if it happened outside of school sports, the athletic trainer will need to be notified to ensure proper medical treatment.

Athletic Trainer Information:

Andrea Clegg (AJ)  

aclegg@colonialsd.org

 

PWHS Concussion Management Protocol

• Baseline ImPact
  • ImPact is a computerized concussion evaluation test that looks at an athlete's cognitive abilities
    • For more information visit www.impacttest.com
  • Baseline test MUST be taken once a year before the start of your season (if you play multiple sports you only need to complete this once) 
• Suspected Injury
  • Remove from practice or game
  • Athletic trainer will evaluate the athlete
  • Athletic trainer will speak with the athletes parent/guardian either on the phone or in person
• Athlete follow-up with athletic trainer the next day in school
• ImPACT post test
  • Administered once symptom free or very close to it
  • Physician may require more then one post-concussion ImPACT depending on the severity of the concussion
• Clearance from doctor and athletic trainer
  • Clearance from a concussion specialist is required to return to game play
  • Clearance from the athletic trainer is also required to return to game play