Concussions
What is a concussion?
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 rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.
This damage also causes chemical and metabolic changes within the brain cells, making it more difficult for cells to function and communicate. Since the brain is the body’s control center, the effects of a concussion can be far-reaching.
Concussions Are Serious
Medical providers may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, the effects of a concussion can be serious. Signs of a concussion range from obvious to much more nuanced, but even one sign of a concussion after a hit to the head should be reported to a medical professional.
CDC HEADS UP Video: What Is a Concussion?
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION
When can a student return to school?
Students do not need to be asymptomatic to return to school.
In fact, once symptoms are tolerable and manageable it is beneficial for a student to attend school with appropriate academic adjustments to minimize disruption to their life and prevent any secondary issues.
What should parents do?
Parents/guardians should notify the Health Room as soon as possible if their student experiences a concussion or suspected concussion.
If your student is experiencing concussion symptoms, the Health Room will place your student on Concussion Protocol and notify the Peak to Peak Concussion Team members. Concussion Protocol provides your student academic accommodations as necessary and appropriate while their brain is healing.
If your student plays a BVSD/P2P sport, they may attend practice. However, physical activity is limited to ONLY steps 1-3 of the BVSD RETURN TO SPORTS STRATEGY and must occur away from the team environment. Your student WILL NOT be able to complete steps 4-6 or return to full participation until they:
- Are cleared by a Health Care Provider (see definition below) using the BVSD RETURN TO SPORTS AFTER CONCUSSION FORM
- Are cleared by P2P's School Nurse Consultant and all academic adjustments have been resolved
- Have completed the BVSD RETURN TO SPORTS STRATEGY under the P2P Athletic Director's supervision.
Note - Health Care Providers include and are limited to a: Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Licensed Nurse Practitioner, Licensed Physician’s Assistant, or Licensed/Doctor of Psychology with training in Neuropsychology or concussion evaluation and management.
Forms
BVSD Return To Sports After Concussion Form - MANDATORY for ALL BVSD athletes