UNDERSTANDING CONCUSSION

Educational Material for Parents and Students (Content Meets MDCH Requirements)

Sources: Michigan Department of Community Health CDC and the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE)

 

Headache	Balance Problems	Sensitive to Noise	Poor Concentration	Not "Feeling Right"
Pressure in the Head	Double Vision	Sluggishness	Memory Problems	Feeling Irritable
Nausea/Vomiting	Blurry Vision	Haziness	Confusion	Slow Reaction Time
Dizziness	Sensitive to Light	Fogginess	"Feeling Down"	Sleep Problems
		Grogginess

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by a fall, bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. A concussion can be caused by a shaking, spinning, or a sudden stopping and starting of the head. Even a "ding," "getting your bell rung," or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. A concussion can happen even if you haven't been knocked out.

You can't see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussions can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If the student reports any symptoms of a concussion, or if you notice symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away. A student who may have had a concussion should not return to play on the day of the injury and until a health care professional says they are okay to return to play.

1. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION RIGHT AWAY - A healthcare professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for the student to return to regular activities, including sports Don't hide it; report it. Ignoring symptoms and trying to "tough it out" often makes it worse.

2. KEEP YOUR STUDENT OUT OF PLAY - Concussions take time to heal. Don't let the student return to play the day of the injury and until a healthcare professional says it's okay. A student who returns to play too soon, while the brain is still healing, risks a greater chance of having a second concussion. Young children and teens are more likely to get a concussion and take longer to recover than adults. Repeat or second concussions increase the time it takes to recover and can be very serious. They can cause permanent brain damage, affecting the student for a lifetime. They can be fatal It is better to miss one game than the whole season.

3. TELL THE SCHOOL ABOUT ANY PREVIOUS CONCUSSION - Schools should know if a student had a previous concussion. A student's school may not know about a concussion received in another sport or activity unless you notify them.

 

Appears dazed or stunned.	Can't recall events prior to or after a hit or fall.	Answers questions slowly.
Is confused about assignment or position.	Is unsure of game, score, or opponent.	Loses consciousness (even briefly).
Forgets and instruction.	Moves clumsily.	Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes.

 

In rare cases, a dangerous blood dot may form on the brain in a person with a concussion and crowd the brain against the skull. A student should receive immediate medical attention if after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body s/he exhibits any of the following danger signs:

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

 

If a student reports one or more symptoms of a concussion after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, s/he should be kept out of athletic play on the day of the injury. The student should only return to play with permission from a health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion. During recovery, rest is key. Exercising or activities that involve a lot of concentration (such as studying. working on the computer. or playing video games) may cause concussion symptoms to reappear or get worse. Students who return to school after a concussion may need to spend fewer hours at school, take rest breaks, be given extra help and time, spend less time reading, writing, or on a computer. After a concussion, returning to sports and school is a gradual process that should be monitored by a healthcare professional. Remember, concussion affects people differently. While most students with a concussion recover quickly and fully, some will have symptoms that last for days or even weeks. A more serious concussion can last for months or longer. To learn more, go to:www.odo.gov/headsup/index.html

 

By my name and signature below, I acknowledge in accordance with Public Acts 342 and 343 of 2012 that I have received and reviewed the Concussion Fact Sheet provided by Michigan Collegiate, Sponsoring Organization.

Return this signed form to the sponsoring organization that must keep on file for the duration of participation or age 18.

Participants and parents please review and keep the educational materials available for future reference.