Information is taken from the Children's National Website. 

The term mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is used interchangeably with the term concussion. A mild TBI or concussion is a disruption in the function of the brain as a result of a forceful blow to the head, either direct or indirect. This disturbance of brain function is typically not detected with a normal CT scan or MRI. A concussion results in a set of physical, cognitive emotional and/or sleep-related symptoms and often does not involve a loss of consciousness. Duration of symptoms is highly variable and may last from several minutes to days, weeks, months, or even longer in some cases.

A complete evaluation is important to determine the effects of the concussion and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. This will also be an important tool in deciding when the child is ready to return to normal activities including school, social activities and sports.

Concussions are probably more common than we know because they often go unrecognized. It is estimated that each year more than three million children sustain a traumatic brain injury, 80 to 90 percent of which are mild. Some of the more common causes of mild TBI/concussion include:

• Motor

• Vehicle accidents

• Falls

• Pedestrian-motor vehicle accidents

• Bicycle accidents

• Sports and recreation activities

• Assaults

Although we used to think that about 300,000 people in the United States sustained sports and recreation-related mild TBI/concussions every year, new estimates now indicate that up to 3.8 million people sustain a concussion each year. Most of these mild TBIs are not treated in a hospital or emergency department. Concussions can occur in any sport but have higher frequencies in the collision/contact sports such as:

• Football

• Ice hockey

• Soccer

• Rugby

• Horseback riding

• Lacrosse

• Basketball

• Wrestling

The biggest problem in treating concussions is the lack of recognition and identification. This problem has been labeled the “silent epidemic.” People are often not familiar with the signs and symptoms of a concussion. Contrary to popular belief, the child does not have to lose consciousness to sustain a concussion. In fact, nine out of ten children do not lose consciousness.

To help recognize a concussion, you should watch for the following two things in the child or adolescent:

• A forceful blow to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head

• Any change in their behavior, thinking, or physical functioning

• Appears dazed or stunned

• Is confused about what they are doing

• Forgets plays or current activities

• Is unsure of recent events (game, score, or opponent)

• Moves clumsily

• Answers questions slowly

• Loses consciousness

• Shows behavior or personality changes- irritability, more emotional

• Can’t recall events before or after the hit or blow

• Vomits

• Appears dazed or stunned headache

• Nausea

• Balance problems or dizziness

• Double or fuzzy vision

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Feeling sluggish or slowed down

• Feeling foggy or groggy

• Concentration or memory problems

• Confusion

• Fatigue

Students that are athletes in the district, and are diagnosed with a Concussion, please refer to your Athletic Trainer(s) for next steps.

Students who are not participating  in districts athletics, and receive a diagnosis of a concussion, please take the form below to your physician, and turn it into the campus nurse:
School Accommodations after the Diagnosis of Concussion/Head Injury