Returning to School After a Concussion:

- A fact sheet for school professionals

- An information sheet for athletes and families

Concussion Management Information: 

• PIAA CIPPE (Section 3) "UNDERSTANDING OF RISK OF CONCUSSION AND TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY"

• What is a concussion?

  A concussion is a brain injury that:

  • Is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body.
  • Can change the way a student’s brain normally works.
  • Can occur during Practices and/or Contests in any sport.
  • Can happen even if a student has not lost consciousness.
  • Can be serious even if a student has just been “dinged” or “had their bell rung.”

  All concussions are serious.  A concussion can affect a student’s ability to do schoolwork and other activities (such as playing video games, working on a computer, studying, driving, or exercising).  Most students with a concussion get better, but it is important to give the concussed student’s brain time to heal.

  What are the symptoms of a concussion?

  Concussions cannot be seen; however, in a potentially concussed student, one or more of the symptoms listed below may become apparent and/or that the student “doesn’t feel right” soon after, a few days after, or even weeks after the injury.

  • Headache or “pressure” in head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Balance problems or dizziness
  • Double or blurry vision
  • Bothered by light or noise
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
  • Difficulty paying attention
  • Memory problems
  • Confusion

  What should students do if they believe that they or someone else may have a concussion?

  • Students feeling any of the symptoms set forth above should immediately tell their Coach and their parents.  Also, if they notice any teammate evidencing such symptoms, they should immediately tell their Coach.
  • The student should be evaluated.  A licensed physician of medicine or osteopathic medicine (MD or DO), sufficiently familiar with current concussion management, should examine the student, determine whether the student has a concussion, and determine when the student is cleared to return to participate in interscholastic athletics.
  • Concussed students should give themselves time to get better.  If a student has sustained a concussion, the student’s brain needs time to heal.  While a concussed student’s brain is still healing, that student is much more likely to have another concussion.  Repeat concussions can increase the time it takes for an already concussed student to recover and may cause more damage to that student’s brain.  Such damage can have long term consequences.  It is important that a concussed student rest and not return to play until the student receives permission from an MD or DO, sufficiently familiar with current concussion management, that the student is symptom-free.

  How can students prevent a concussion?  Every sport is different, but there are steps students can take to protect themselves.

  • Use the proper sports equipment, including personal protective equipment.  For equipment to properly protect a student, it must be:

  The right equipment for the sport, position, or activity;

  Worn correctly and the correct size and fit; and

  Used every time the student Practices and/or competes.

  • Follow the Coach’s rules for safety and the rules of the sport.
  • Practice good sportsmanship at all times.

  If a student believes they may have a concussion:  Don’t hide it.  Report it.  Take time to recover.