Altoona Area School District

In cooperation with

A concussion is a brain injury Concussion is caused by any force to the

head or body which interferes with normal neurological function of the brain

Young athletes are at greater risk for serious problems

Headache Balance problem Dizziness Nausea Feeling ‘foggy’ Visual problems Hearing problems Irritability, emotional changes

Loss of and/or impaired consciousness Poor conduction or balance Convulsions Gait unsteadiness Slow to answer questions, follow directions Easily distracted Emotional disturbance Slurred speech Vomiting Vacant stare

Not all concussions are caused by a blow to the head

Not all concussions result in loss of consciousness (LOC)

Initial symptom severity is not an indication of time needed for recovery, not all concussions exhibit symptoms immediately.

No Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, Aspirin etc for headaches. This may mask symptoms or decrease the body’s ability to coagulate blood if there is bleeding in the brain.

It is recommended to wake athlete and monitor for symptom deterioration ever 2 hrs.

If the athletes symptoms or physical conditions worsen; please seek advanced medical attention. Follow-up with Athletic Trainer to correlate plan-of-care with physician

Athlete should refrain from activities that require concentration such as playing video games, watching TV, texting and using the computer. The brain needs an opportunity to rest, just like any other injured body part.

Athlete should also avoid any activity that may increase heart rate (treadmill, lifting weights, etc) to avoid increasing subdural hematoma (bleeding on the brain).

Sometimes signs and symptoms of a concussion do not appear until 8-12 hours after the injury occurs.

Academic accommodations can be arranged if the physician feels it is medically necessary.

Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be immediately removed from the contest and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate licensed medical professional.

New Legislation signed into law by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett in November of 2011, entitled “Safety and Youth Sports Act” requires that an athlete who suffered a concussion be cleared by an appropriate medical professional before returning to play.

Requires all coaches to pass concussion awareness training

• No activity, complete rest until asymptomatic

• Athlete may NOT RETURN TO PLAY until: They are symptom free

They return to baseline levels on ImPACT Test

They pass a multi-step exertional RTP progression

They are cleared by a licensed medical professional experienced in concussion management

Continuing to play while experiencing signs or symptoms of a concussion leaves the athlete especially vulnerable to greater, more serious injury.

There is an increased risk of significant brain damage from a concussion for a period of time after the concussion occurs, particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one.

This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and even fatal consequences.

Licensed Physician Licensed Neuropsychologist Licensed health care professional

designated by such licensed physician (Licensed Athletic Trainer)

Must be current in concussion management protocols

ImPACT is a computerized assessment tool used by medical doctors, psychologists, athletic trainers, and other licensed healthcare professionals to assist them in determining an athlete's ability to return to play after suffering a concussion.

Baseline testing can be administered prior to the season to individualize care post-injury.

Altoona Area School District Athletic Office◦ Phil Riccio Athletic Director◦ (814) 946-8289

Athletic Trainers Drayer Physical Therapy◦ Dan McAllister (814) 949-9500

(814) 946-8256◦ Dan Picarella

(814) 946-8256◦ Steve Reimer

(814) 946-8293

Center for Disease Control and Prevention◦ www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports/

National Federation of State High Schools Association (NFSHS)◦ www.NFHS.org

Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers Society (PATS)◦ www.gopats.org

Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA)◦ www.PIAA.org