Concussion Management Policy
What is a concussion?
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. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. These changes in the brain lead to symptoms that may affect how a child thinks, learns, feels, acts and sleeps. Symptoms are usually most severe right after the injury.
Signs and symptoms of concussions
Concussion symptoms are what your child is feeling after the injury. Concussion signs and symptoms may not show up right away. Concussion signs are what you see when your child is experiencing symptoms related to their injury.
Concussion symptoms:
- Are different for each person
- May change during recovery
- Are most severe right after the injury (usually 1 or 2 days after the injury)
- Differ depending on the age of your child
As a parent, you know what is normal for your child and what is not. Monitor your child regularly and watch for changes in how your child acts or feels. If their symptoms get worse be sure to share this information with their healthcare provider.
Concussion Symptoms
Physical Symptoms:
- Bothered by light or noise
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Feeling tired, no energy
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting (early on)
- Vision problems
Thinking & Remembering Symptoms
- Attention or concentration problems
- Feeling slowed down
- Foggy or groggy
- Problems with short or long term memory
- Trouble thinking clearly
Social or Emotional
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Irritability or easily angered
- Feeling more emotional
- Sadness
Sleep
- Sleeping less than usual
- Sleeping more than usual
- Trouble falling asleep
Team action plan
If an athlete has any signs or symptoms of a concussion after a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a hit to the body we will:
- Remove them from sports participation right away
- Check the athlete for concussion danger signs
- Keep them out of sports participation the same day of the injury and until cleared by a healthcare provider
- Regardless of clearance by a healthcare provider the athlete will not participate in team activities for a minimum of 6 days.
Concussion protocol source
Above information has been sourced from the Illinois Department of Public Health Concussion Section