Concussions

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Concussions

• Perry Baker- Supervisor of Athletics and
  Extracurricular Activities

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Contents

• Definition
• Facts about concussions
• How to recognize a possible concussion
• Signs and symptoms
• What to do when a concussion is suspected
• Prevention and Preparation
• Communicating to athletes, parents, and staff

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Definition

• A concussion is a brain injury and all brain
  injuries are serious.
• They are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the
  head.
• They can also be caused by a blow to another part
  of the body with force transmitted to the head.
• They range from mild to severe.
• ALL concussions are serious and may result in
  complications including prolonged brain damage
  and death if not recognized and managed properly.

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Facts about concussions

• A concussion is a brain injury.
• All concussions are serious.
• Most occur without loss of consciousness.
• Concussions can occur in any sport or recreation
  activity.
• Recognition and proper response to concussions
  when they first occur can help prevent further
  injury or death.

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Important Facts!

• Athletes who have had a previous concussion are
  at increased risk for another concussion.
• Young children and teens are more likely to get a
  concussion and take longer to recover than
  adults.
• A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain
  recovers can slow recovery or increase the
  likelihood of having long-term problems.

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Recognizing a possible concussion

• You should watch for and ask others to report the
  following two things among your athletes
• A forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or
  body that results in rapid movement of the head.
• Any concussion symptoms or change in an athletes
  behavior, thinking, or physical functioning.

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Signs observed by coaching staff

• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused about assignment or position
• Forgets an instruction
• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
• Cant recall events prior to hit or fall
• Cant recall events after hit or fall

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Signs reported by athlete

• Headache or pressure in head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion
• Just not feeling right or is feeling down

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When a concussion is suspected

• 4 step action plan
• Remove the athlete from play.
• Ensure that the athlete is evaluated by a health
  care professional experienced in evaluating for
  concussion.
• Inform the athletes parents about possible
  concussion using appropriate MPSSAA concussion
  forms.
• Keep the athlete out of play until the health
  care professional says they are symptom free and
  can return gradually to play.

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Immediate medical attention for

• One pupil larger than the other
• Is drowsy or cannot be awakened
• A headache that not only does not diminish, but
  gets worse
• Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
  Repeated vomiting or nausea
• Slurred speech
• Convulsions or seizures
• Cannot recognize people or places
• Becomes increasingly confused, restless, or
  agitated
• Has unusual behavior
• Loses consciousness (a brief loss of
  consciousness should be taken seriously).

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Prevention and Preparation

• Familiarize yourself with county and state policy
  regarding concussions.
• Create a concussion action plan.
• Complete the NFHS Concussion Course.
• Educate athletes, parents and your coaching
  staff.
• Monitor the health of your athletes.
• Insist that safety come first.
• Prevent long term problems
• Teach athletes its not smart to play with a
  concussion.

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Prevention and Preparation

• Work closely with school officials (AD, ATC,
  school nurse, teachers).
• Track concussion with appropriate MPSSAA forms.
• Review concussion policy and action plan
  frequently.

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Communication

• Video Brandons Story
• http//www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury/CTK_video_
  WM-BB.html

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Communicating with athletes

• Pass out Heads Up fact sheet to athletes.
• Show videos online at www.cdc.gov/Concussion/Reso
  urces
• Devote team meetings to this topic.
• Invite health care professionals to educate
  athletes.
• Make sure athletes understand signs and symptoms.
• Make sure athletes report signs and symptoms to
  coaches right away.
• Make sure athletes understand that it is not
  smart to play with a concussion.
• Make sure athlete signs the concussion form in
  the FCPS paperwork packet.

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Communicate with parents

• Make sure parents get Heads Up fact sheet.
• Discuss county and state policy with parents at
  Meet the Coach Night.
• Make sure parents understand that the athletes
  safety is our first priority.
• Have parents alert the coach to any known or
  suspected concussions.
• Alert coach of previous concussions.
• Have parents educate their athlete.
• Make sure parents sign the concussion form in the
  FCPS paperwork packet.

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Communicate with staff

• Report all suspected concussions to the athletic
  director with appropriate MPSSAA paperwork.
• Inform school nurse of possible concussion.
• Inform teachers as it might impact school work.
• Work closely with ATC to make sure appropriate
  gradual return to play protocol is in place.

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ALL FCPS COACHES MUST

• Complete the NFHS Concussion Course at
  http//www.nfhslearn.com
• Understand county and state concussion policy.
• Have an action plan.
• Educate parents, students, and staff.
• Err on the side of safety.
• Use appropriate MPSSAA forms and report all
  suspected concussions.

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Questions?
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References

• Heads Up Concussion in High School Sports Guide
  for Coaches. Center for Disease Control and
  Prevention. http//www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/
  high_school.html
• Frederick County Public Schools Concussion
  Information Sheet.