# JJIF-E Concussions-InfoSheet

A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They
are caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another
part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. They can range
from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works.
Even though most concussions are mild, **[all concussions are
potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged
brain damage and death if not recognized and managed
properly.]** In other words, even a "ding" or a bump on the
head can be serious. You can't see a concussion and most sports
concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of
concussion may appear immediately after the injury or hours or days
later. If your student-athlete reports any symptoms of concussion, or if
you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek medical
attention immediately.

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:
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-   Headaches \* "Don't feel right"

-   "Pressure in head" \* Fatigue or low energy

-   Nausea or vomiting \* Sadness

-   Neck pain \* Nervousness or anxiety

-   Balance problems or dizziness \* Irritability

-   Blurred, double, or fuzzy vision \* More emotional

-   Sensitivity to light or noise \* Confusion

-   Feeling sluggish or slowed down \* Concentration or memory problems

-   Feeling foggy or groggy (forgetting game plays)

-   Drowsiness \* Repeating the same question/comment

Signs observed by teammates, parents or coaches include:
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-   Appears dazed \* Shows behavior or personality changes

-   Vacant facial expression \* Can't recall events prior to hit

-   Confused about assignment \* Can't recall events after hit

-   Forgets plays \* Seizures or convulsions

-   Loses consciousness \* Is unsure of game, score, or opponent

-   Slurred speech \* Any change in typical behavior/personality

-   Answers questions slowly \* Moves clumsily or displays incoordination

This document is adapted from the CDC and the 3^rd^ International
Conference on Concussion in Sport Consensus Statement (2009)

REGIONAL SCHOOL UNIT 1 CONCUSSION INFORMATION SHEET

What can happen if my child keeps on playing with a concussion or returns too soon?
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Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed
from play immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of
concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to greater
injury. There is an increased risk of significant damage from a
concussion for a period of time after that concussion occurs,
particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before completely
recovering from the first one. This can lead to prolonged recovery, or
to severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and
even fatal consequences. It is well known that adolescent or teenage
athletes will often under-report symptoms of injuries. Concussions are
no different. As a result, education of administrators, coaches, parents
and students is the key for student-athlete's safety.

If you think your child has suffered a concussion
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Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed
from the game or practice immediately. No athlete may return to activity
after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it
seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical clearance. Close
observation of the athlete should continue for several hours. RSU 1
requires the consistent and uniform implementation of well-established
return to play concussion guidelines reflected in Board policy:

Any student suspected of having sustained a concussion or other head
injury during a school-sponsored athletic activity including but not
limited to competition, practice or scrimmage, must be removed from the
activity immediately;

No student will be permitted to return to the activity or to participate
in any other school-sponsored athletic activity on the day of the
suspected concussion;

Any student who is suspected of having sustained a concussion or other
head injury shall be prohibited from further participation in
school-sponsored athletic activities until he/she has been evaluated and
received written medical clearance from a licensed health care provider
who is qualified and trained in concussion management.

You should also inform your child's coach if you think that your child
may have a concussion. Remember it's better to miss one game than miss
the whole season. And when in doubt, the athlete sits out.

For current and up-to-date information on concussions you can go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/Concussion

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Student-athlete Name Printed Student-athlete Signature Date

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Parent or Legal Guardian Printed Parent or Legal Guardian Signature Date