WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a direct or indirect impact to the head that results in disruption of normal brain function, which may or may not result in loss of consciousness.  It can occur from a fall, a blow to the head, or a blow to the body that causes the head and the brain to move quickly back and forth.  The only true antidote for brain injury is prevention.  It is impossible to prevent all brain injuries as they can occur from accidents even in the most careful situations.

PROCEDURE FOR SUSPECTED HEAD INJURY

Any student suspected of sustaining a concussion or traumatic head injury shall be immediately removed from any activity where injuries are likely to occur.  Schools will always adhere to the safety procedure "when in doubt, sit them out".  A student or athlete shall be suspected of suffering a concussion or traumatic brain injury if any of the following symptoms are observed or self-reported after receiving blunt trauma, an acceleration force, or a deceleration force: a) transient confusion, disorientation, or impaired consciousness; b) dysfunction of memory; c) loss of consciousness; and/or d) signs of other neurological or neuropsychological dysfunction, including: seizures, irritability, lethargy, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and/or fatigue.

Schools heavily rely on the parent/guardian to provide accurate information related to a student's health history related to any head injury/concussion within the previous 12 months by way of the enrollment packet or school data form.  Parents/guardians are also expected to provide a medical care plan updated, completed, and signed by a physician to aid the Return-to-Learn team in developing school accommodations as needed.  A student athlete must obtain proper medical clearance for return to learn before he or she is allowed to return to play in any sporting event.  Parents/guardians are expected to coordinate a student's progression back to activity with physicians, school nurse, administrators, first responders, athletic trainers, athletic director, coaches, and staff as appropriate.  Please contact the school nurse, administrators, and athletic team for further questions regarding this process. 

BCS Head Injury Assessment Tool

BCS Return to Learn Concussion Clearance Form

Gfeller-Waller/NCHSAA Concussion Managment Resources