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Concussion Information

According to the CDC, "A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI— caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. This fast movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging the brain cells." 

CDC Concussion Information Sheet

What are signs or symptoms I should watch for if I suspect my child may have had a concussion?

Often, the signs and symptoms of a head injury may not appear immediately after the injury, but may arise several hours or days later.  If you are unclear or have questions about any of the symptoms, please contact a physician for a medical opinion. 

Concussion Signs Observed

  • Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall.

  • Appears dazed or stunned.

  • Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position, or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent.

  • Moves clumsily.

  • Answers questions slowly.

  • Loses consciousness (even briefly).

  • Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes.

Concussion Signs Reported

  • Headache or “pressure” in head.

  • Nausea or vomiting.

  • Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision.

  • Bothered by light or noise.

  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.

  • Confusion, or concentration or memory problems.

  • Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”.

If your child exhibits the following symptoms/signs, or you notice other behavior or conduct of your student that is out of the ordinary, you should seek immediate medical attention. Please note that this list is not all-inclusive.

  • One pupil larger than the other.

  • Drowsiness or inability to wake up.

  • A headache that gets worse and does not go away.

  • Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.

  • Repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching).

  • Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.

  • Loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out). Even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously.

Plainfield CCSD 202 Concussion Management Protocol

  1. Any student suspected of sustaining a concussion will be immediately removed from participation and referred to a physician.

  2. Once asymptomatic and neurocognitive scores return to normal (if ImPACT/CVS test was administered), the student will begin a stepwise Return-to-Learn followed by a graduated Return-to-Play protocol, following the Plainfield CCSD 202 Progression. The student must be cleared by physician for return to full PE, band, or athletic participation.

RETURN TO LEARN PROTOCOL

  • Phase 1 and 2: No school attendance, emphasize cognitive and physical rest

  • Phase 3: Option for modified daily class schedule

  • Phase 4: Full day of school – symptom-free at rest

  • Phase 5: Full academic load and start Return-to-Play Protocol for athletes in school sponsored activities & in season

RETURN TO PLAY PROTOCOL (In Season Athlete and Band Members)

  • Phase 1:   No activity/rest

  • Phase 2:   Non-impact aerobic activity (e.g. swimming, stationary biking) at <70% estimated maximum heart rate for up to 30 minutes as symptoms allow. 

  • Phase 3:   Moderate aerobic physical activity, aerobic activity at 70-85% estimated maximum heart rate.

  • Phase 4:   Non-contact sport specific drills at reduced speed.  Aerobic activity at 85% maximum heart rate.  Moderate resistance training (e.g. weights at 50-65% previous max ability) 

  • Phase 5:   Regular light-contact training drills; aerobic activity at maximum capacity including sprints; regular weight lifting routine.

  • Phase 6:   Following clearance:  Full-contact practice, participate in normal training

  • Phase 7:   Return to play: Normal game play

During Return to Play, if at any time post-concussion symptoms occur during the graduated return, there will be at minimum a 24hr rest period. Once asymptomatic following the rest period the athlete will drop back to the previous asymptomatic level and the progression will resume. If a student athlete sustains more than one concussion per year that student must be cleared by a neurologist before return to athletic activities. If deemed necessary please note and list any modifications the student may need to return to school.