What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works.  It is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head.  Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even what seems to be a mild bump to the head should be taken seriously. 

The Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Repeating questions
• Behavior or personality changes
• Loss of consciousness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Balance problems
• Double or Blurry Vision

Danger Signs of a Concussion

In rare cases, complications can happen after a head injury. If any of these signs are noted, the student should and will receive emergency medical attention:

• One pupil larger than the other
• Cannot be awakened
• A worsening headache that is not going away (“Worst headache ever”)
• Decreased coordination, numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Slurred speech
• Seizures
• Cannot recognize people or places

Notifications

If a staff member witnesses an injury that could potentially have caused a concussion or sees a student or staff member with any signs of a concussion, they should be escorted to the school nurse or health aide for assessment. 

If a parent or coach reports that a student is on a return-to-school concussion plan, this should also be reported to the school nurse or health aide. The health staff will disseminate this information to the appropriate teachers. 

The District Nurse may request that the student be evaluated by a medical professional regarding a reported head injury. We understand this medical office visit may be a hardship and we will make every effort to assist in this referral as much as possible. If the student is not evaluated by a medical professional and the school is unable to receive written guidelines for the student, we will follow the guidelines below.  

Returning to School

Supporting a student recovering from a concussion requires a collaborative effort among educators, school professionals, health care professionals, parents, and students.

Students may return to school with specific accommodation requests from their healthcare provider that the school will make every effort to follow. These accommodation requests must be provided by a healthcare provider.  

If they do not have specific return to school instructions, here are guidelines to follow for the 7-14 days following a concussion:

• The student should be monitored for any continued symptoms of a concussion listed above. If noted, report them to the school nurse. 
• If any danger symptoms are noted, the Emergency Services Protocol should be initiated. 
• The student may need to limit screen time if working on the computer during class. It is recommended to completely avoid screens for the first 48 hours after a concussion. 
• Alternate paper and written assignments may need to be provided in order to avoid using computer screens for the first 48 hours after a concussion.
• Allow the student to rest their head on their desk with their eyes closed for at least 5 minutes and up to 15 minutes if they complain of a headache, tiredness or blurred vision after working on their computer or reading.
• The student may need to be excluded from fitness or certain elective classes in order to avoid exercises such as running, jumping, or other activities with an increased risk for a repeat injury to the head. 
• The student may need to take frequent breaks during concentration. 
• The student may require extra time to take tests or complete assignments. 

If the student is noted to have long term signs of a concussion or requiring accommodations 4-6 weeks after the reported head injury/concussion, the District Nurse should be notified for next steps. The Brain Steps team as well as counselors will be notified to assess the need for a 504 plan.