Why Am I Receiving This Information Sheet?

You are receiving this Concussion Fact Sheet because of the California state law AB 25 (effective January 1, 2012), now Education Code § 49475:

1. The law requires a student-athlete who may have a concussion during a practice or game to be removed from the activity for the remainder of the day.
2. Any student-athlete removed for this reason must receive a written note from a medical doctor trained in management of concussions before returning to practice.
3. Before a student-athlete can start the season and begin practice in a sport, a concussion information sheet must be signed and returned to school.

What Is A Concussion and How Would I Recognize One?

A concussion is a kind of brain injury. It can be caused by a bump or hit to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force that shakes the head. Concussions can appear in any sport, and can look differently in each person.

Most concussions get better with rest and over 90% of athletes fully recover, but all concussions are serious and can result in serious problems - including brain damage and even death, if not recognized and managed the right way.

Most concussions occur without being knocked out. Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours to appear. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion or if you notice some symptoms and signs, seek medical evaluation from a medical doctor trained in the evaluation and management of concussion. If your child is vomiting, has a severe headache, is having difficulty staying awake or answering simple questions, he or she should be immediately taken to the emergency department of your local hospital.

Signs observed by teammates, parents and coaches include:

· Looks dizzy · Forgets plays · Answers questions slowly · Any change in typical behavior or personality

· Confused about plays · Slurred speech · Shows a change in personality or way of acting · Passes out

· Looks spaced out · Is unsure of game, score, or opponent · Moves clumsily or awkwardly · Can’t recall events before or after the injury · Seizures or has a fit

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

· “Pressure in head” · Nausea or throws up · Neck pain · Loss of memory · Confused · Concentration or memory problems

Has trouble standing or walking · Blurred, double, or fuzzy vision · Bothered by light or noise · Feeling foggy or groggy · Sadness · More emotional

· Change in sleep patterns · Drowsiness · “Don’t feel right” · Irritability · Repeating the same question/comment

· Feeling sluggish or slowed down · Tired or low energy · Nervousness or feeling on edge

What Should You Do if Your Child Has a Concussion?

•  Seek medical attention right away. A health professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child to return to sports. 
• Keep your child out of play. Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your child to return to play until a health care professional says it’s okay. Children who return to play too soon before they have fully recovered are at risk for permanent damage and even death. When in doubt, sit them out!

What is Return to Learn? 

Following a concussion, student athletes may have difficulties with short- and long-term memory, concentration and organization. They will require rest while recovering from injury (e.g., avoid reading, texting, video games, loud movies), and may even need to stay home from school for a few days. As they return to school, the schedule might need to start with a few classes or a half-day depending on how they feel. Your school or doctor can help suggest and make these changes. They may also benefit from a formal assessment for limited attendance or homework such as reduced class schedule if recovery from a concussion is taking longer than expected.

How is Return to Play (RTP) Determined? 

Concussion symptoms should be completely gone before returning to competition. RTP involves a gradual, stepwise increase in physical effort, and sports-specific activities that is managed by a physician. If symptoms occur with activity, the progression should be stopped. RTP after concussion should occur only with medical clearance from a medical doctor trained in the evaluation and management of concussions. [AB 2127, a California state law that became effective 1/1/15, states that return to play (i.e., full competition) must be no sooner than 7 days after the concussion diagnosis has been made by a physician.]

How can I prevent my child from getting a concussion?

Every sport is different, but there are steps your child can take to prevent a concussion. Ensure they follow the coach’s safety rules and rule of the sport. Encourage your child to practice good sportsmanship. Make sure they wear the correct and well fitting protective equipment (such as helmets, padding, shin guards, knee pads, and eye and mouth guards). For more information please see: http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/youth.html

LET THE COACH KNOW RIGHT AWAY IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR CHILD HAS A CONCUSSION  

WHEN IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT!