What is a concussion?
A concussion is a mild injury to the brain that disrupts how the brain normally works. Usually caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head, one does NOT need to be knocked out or lose consciousness to have a concussion. Another term for concussion is mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI). Even though a concussion might be called a “mild” injury, it still must be taken seriously because it is an injury to the brain.
What are signs and symptoms of a concussion?
Most young people will recover completely from a single concussion within two weeks. But, some people can take longer to recover than others.
Common symptoms seen after a concussion are listed below. You should watch out for these problems and talk with your child’s doctor about any changes that you notice in these areas:
Physical Thinking (cognitive) Behavior or emotional
Headaches Slowed thinking Irritability or grouchiness
Sick to stomach or vomiting Trouble paying attention Easily upset or frustrated
Dizziness or balance problems Difficulty remembering Nervousness
Low energy or feeling run down Acting like "in a fog" Sadness
Trouble with vision/seeing Easily confused Acting without thinking
Bothered by light or noise School performance worsens Any other personality change
Sleeping problems
What are concerns specific to high school athletes and concussion?
Research has shown that high school athletes’ recovery times for a sports concussion are longer than college athletes, and high school athletes who sustain a concussion are three times more likely to sustain a second concussion.
Concussions become dangerous when they go unreported or are improperly treated. Due to ignorance, an athlete may decide on his or her own that “I don’t have a concussion” or “it’s not a big deal.” Additionally, an athlete may experience considerable emotional desire to continue to play regardless of concussion-like symptoms. This pressure may come from spectators, coaches, sports media, parents, teammates, as well as the athlete’s own desire to take part in the sport. Continuing to play with concussion-like symptoms is dangerous and life threatening.
A primary concern with concussions is Second Impact Syndrome, which occurs when an athlete sustains a second blow to the head or the body during the recovery from an earlier concussion. This second blow, no matter how minor, causes a brain to swell rapidly and catastrophically. Second Impact Syndrome is often fatal; an athlete that does not die, is almost always severely disabled.
What should you do if you think your child has had a concussion?
Concussion Handouts
Concussion Facts for Student-Athletes
Concussion Facts for Parents
Concussion Facts for Parents (Spanish)
Concussion Guidelines
Adams 12 Athletic Concussion Policy
Progressive Return to Play Protocol and Academic Relief
A concussion is a mild injury to the brain that disrupts how the brain normally works. Usually caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head, one does NOT need to be knocked out or lose consciousness to have a concussion. Another term for concussion is mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI). Even though a concussion might be called a “mild” injury, it still must be taken seriously because it is an injury to the brain.
What are signs and symptoms of a concussion?
Most young people will recover completely from a single concussion within two weeks. But, some people can take longer to recover than others.
Common symptoms seen after a concussion are listed below. You should watch out for these problems and talk with your child’s doctor about any changes that you notice in these areas:
Physical Thinking (cognitive) Behavior or emotional
Headaches Slowed thinking Irritability or grouchiness
Sick to stomach or vomiting Trouble paying attention Easily upset or frustrated
Dizziness or balance problems Difficulty remembering Nervousness
Low energy or feeling run down Acting like "in a fog" Sadness
Trouble with vision/seeing Easily confused Acting without thinking
Bothered by light or noise School performance worsens Any other personality change
Sleeping problems
What are concerns specific to high school athletes and concussion?
Research has shown that high school athletes’ recovery times for a sports concussion are longer than college athletes, and high school athletes who sustain a concussion are three times more likely to sustain a second concussion.
Concussions become dangerous when they go unreported or are improperly treated. Due to ignorance, an athlete may decide on his or her own that “I don’t have a concussion” or “it’s not a big deal.” Additionally, an athlete may experience considerable emotional desire to continue to play regardless of concussion-like symptoms. This pressure may come from spectators, coaches, sports media, parents, teammates, as well as the athlete’s own desire to take part in the sport. Continuing to play with concussion-like symptoms is dangerous and life threatening.
A primary concern with concussions is Second Impact Syndrome, which occurs when an athlete sustains a second blow to the head or the body during the recovery from an earlier concussion. This second blow, no matter how minor, causes a brain to swell rapidly and catastrophically. Second Impact Syndrome is often fatal; an athlete that does not die, is almost always severely disabled.
What should you do if you think your child has had a concussion?
- Seek medical attention right away and follow up with the appropriate health care professionals. If possible, consult your athletic trainer. The athletic trainer can make the best recommendation on whether or not immediate referral to the emergency room is required and ensure the best possible care is being provided.
- Follow the return-to-play criteria (manatory for student-athletes) established by Thornton’s athletic trainer. This should be a gradual process, occurring over several days once the athlete is asymptomatic
Concussion Handouts
Concussion Facts for Student-Athletes
Concussion Facts for Parents
Concussion Facts for Parents (Spanish)
Concussion Guidelines
Adams 12 Athletic Concussion Policy
Progressive Return to Play Protocol and Academic Relief