Concussions

1. Concussions Perry Baker- Supervisor of Athletics and Extracurricular Activities

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 athlete’s behavior, thinking, or physical functioning.

7. 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 • Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall • Can’t recall events after hit or fall

8. 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”

9. 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 athlete’s 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.

10. 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).

11. 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 it’s not smart to play with a concussion.

12. 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.

13. Communication • Video: Brandon’s Story • http://www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury/CTK_video_WM-BB.html

14. Communicating with athletes • Pass out “Heads Up” fact sheet to athletes. • Show videos online at: www.cdc.gov/Concussion/Resources • 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.

15. 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 athlete’s 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. Questions?

19. 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.