Symptoms of a concussion are the result of a temporary change in the brain’s function. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Headache or head pressure
• Loss of consciousness
• Balance difficulties, dizziness, or clumsy movements
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light and/or sound
• Nausea, vomiting and/or loss of appetite
• Irritability, sadness or other changes in personality
• Feeling sluggish, foggy or light-headed
• Concentration or focusing problems
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue and/or sleep issues – sleeping more or less than usual
• Confusion or appears dazed

Decreased or absent memory of events prior to or immediately after the injury, or difficulty retaining new information, confusion or appears dazed, headache or head pressure, loss of consciousness, balance difficulties, dizziness, or clumsy movements, double or blurry vision, sensitivity to light and/or sound, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of appetite, irritability, sadness or other changes in personality, feeling sluggish, foggy or light-headed, concentration or focusing problems, drowsiness, fatigue and/or sleep issues – sleeping more or less than usual.

Return to Play Protocol once symptom free for 24 hours and cleared by the School Medical Director:

• Day 1: Low impact, non-strenuous, light aerobic activity.
• Day 2: Higher impact, higher exertion, moderate aerobic activity.  No resistance training.
• Day 3: Sport specific non-contact activity.  Low resistance weight training with a spotter.
• Day 4: Sport specific activity, non-contact drills.  Higher resistance weight training with a spotter.
• Day 5: Full contact training drills and intense aerobic activity.
• Day 6: Return to full activities with clearance from School Medical Director.

Any return of symptoms during the return to play protocol, they student will return to previous day’s activities until symptom free.

Concussion Management Team

Schools may, at their discretion, form a concussion management team to implement and monitor the concussion management policy and program.  The team could include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Students
• Parents/Guardians
• School Administrators
• Medical Director
• Private Medical Provider
• School Nurse
• Director of Physical Education and/or Athletic Director
• Certified Athletic Trainer
• Physical Education Teacher and/or Coaches
• Classroom Teachers

State Education Department’s Guidance For Concussion Management

Schools are advised to develop a written concussion management policy.  A sample policy is available on the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s (NYSPHSAA) web site at www.nysphsaa.org.  The policy should include:

• A commitment to reduce the risk of head injuries.
• A procedure and treatment plan developed by the district medical director.
• A procedure to ensure proper education for school nurses, certified athletic trainers, physical education teachers, and coaches.
• A procedure for a coordinated communication plan among appropriate staff.
• A procedure for periodic review of the concussion management program.

Return To Learn and Return To Play Protocols

Cognitive Rest:  Activities students should avoid include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Computers and video games
• Television viewing
• Texting
• Reading or writing
• Studying or homework
• Taking a test or completing significant projects
• Loud music
• Bright lights

Students may only be able to attend school for short periods of time.  Accommodations may have to be made for missed tests and assignments.

Physical Rest:  Activities students should avoid include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Contact and collision
• High speed, intense exercise and/or sports
• High risk for re-injury or impacts
• Any activity that results in an increased heart rate or increased head pressure

Concussions:  The Invisible Injury

Student and Parent Information Sheet

Information Sheet provided by NYSPHSAA

Concussion Definition:  A concussion is a reaction by the brain to a jolt or force that can be transmitted to the head by an impact or blow occurring anywhere on the body.  Essentially a concussion results from the brain moving back and forth or twisting rapidly inside the skull.

Requirements Of School District

Education:  Each school coach, physical education teacher, nurse, and athletic trainer will have to complete an approved course on concussion management on a biennial basis, starting with the 2012-2013 school year.

• School coaches and physical education teachers must complete the CDC course. (https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/resources/training.html)

Information:

• Provide concussion management information and sign off with any parental permission form.
• The concussion management and awareness information or the State Education Department’s website must be made available on the school website, if one exists.

Removal from athletics:

• Require the immediate removal from athletic activities of any pupil that has or is believed to have sustained a mild traumatic brain injury.
• No pupils will be allowed to resume athletic activity until they have been symptom free for 24 hours and have been evaluated by and received written and signed authorization from a licensed physician.  For interscholastic athletics, clearance must come from the school medical director.
• Such authorization must be kept in the pupil’s permanent health record.
• Schools shall follow directives issued by the pupil’s treating physician.