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Athletics Handbook » Concussion Information for Athletes and Parents

Concussion Information for Athletes and Parents

 
 
  • Recognition of Concussion
    • Concussion may be caused by a direct blow to the head or elsewhere on the body from an "impulsive" force transmitted to the head. You can have a concussion even if you are not knocked out!
    • If you think, you may have a concussion let your coach and /or athletic trainer know right
  • Common signs and symptoms of sports-related concussion
 

Signs (observed by others):

Symptoms (reported by athlete)

Athlete appears dazed or stunned

Headache

Confusion (about assignment, plays, etc.)

Fatigue

Forgets plays

Dizziness, lightheadedness

Unsure about game, score, opponent

Feeling unsteady on feet

Moves Clumsily {altered coordination}

Nausea or vomiting

Balance problem

Double vision, blurry vision

Personality change

Sensitive to the light or noise

Responds slowly to questions

Feels sluggish

Forgets events prior to trauma

Feels "foggy"

Forgets events after the trauma

Problems concentrating

Loss of consciousness        (any duration)

Problems remembering
 
  • ImPACT computerized testing
    • Computerized testing is required for all contact/collision sport athletes this year. Athletes will have to take the baseline test before beginning practice (similar to the requirement for annual physicals). Contact/collision sport athletes will be tested every other year!

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

Field Hockey

Basketball

Baseball

Football

Alpine Skiing

Lacrosse

Soccer

Wrestling

Pole vaulter

Spirit

Spirit

Softball

Volleyball

Hockey

Gymnastics
 
  • Please give your best effort and ask questions if you do not understand something when taking the test. Questionable results will require retesting.
 
  • If you have a concussion during the season, you will be tested after the concussion to determine when your scores return to baseline.
  
  • What to expect if you have a concussion during the season.
    • For your safety, you will not be allowed to return to play or drive yourself home on the day of your injury.
    • The athletic trainer (AT) or coach will decide the safest way for you to get home on the day of your injury.
    • Parent/guardian will be called.
    • The school nurse and the AT will closely monitor your symptoms during and after school, respectively. You must report to them every school day.
    • You will be withheld from all physical activity including sports and gym classes.
    • You will take a follow-up ImPACT test with in 2 or 3 days after the injury with the Athletic Trainer.
 
  • As needed, accommodations (e.g., shorter classes, lighter homework) will be made to help you get back to school Guidance counselors and teachers, among others may be involved in this process. If you have trouble concentrating, be sure to let people know.
 
  • Once all concussion signs/symptoms have resolved with return to normal academic workload, you will take another follow-up ImPACT test.
    • You must have written medical clearance as described below, be asymptomatic both at rest and during activity, and have returned to full school activities to start the return to play program. Return to ImPACT baseline scores is required before the return to play program can begin.
 
  • In cases where you have been treated and monitored solely by the AT, clearance from the AT will be acceptable.
 
  • In cases where you have a physician or other provider for the concussion, you must have written clearance from a primary care physician or specialist (not the Emergency Room physician) for progression to activity.
 
  • Progression is individualized, and will be determined on a case-by case basis. Factors that may affect the rate of progression include; previous history of concussion, duration and type of symptoms, age, and sport/activity in which you participate. An athlete with a prior history of concussion, one who has had an extended duration of symptoms or one who is participating in a collision or contact sport will be progressed more slowly.
 
  • After the clinical exam and ImPACT, test results have returned to baseline levels, you have resumed full school activities, and you have appropriate medical clearance you will begin a supervised return to play progression. Generally, you will not be progressed faster than one-step per day.
    • Light aerobic exercise - walking , stationary bike
    • Sport-specific training (e.g., skating in hockey, running in soccer)
    • Non-contact training drills
    • Full-contact training after medical clearance
    • Game play
    • Note: if you experience post-concussion symptoms during any of these steps, you should drop back to the previous asymptomatic level and resume the progression after 24 hours.
    • The AT will decide appropriate activities for the day and explain what you are allowed to do on any given day during recovery. For your safety, you must stick to what the AT decides you are allowed to do until you receive full return to sports clearance.
      • The AT and/or treating physician will provide final clearance to RTP. The parent/guardian will be also need to provide written permission in accordance with the NH Senate Bill 402 for the athlete to return to play.
 

Revised May 31, 2019