Concussion Information Fact Sheet

Northbrook School District 27 Board Policy 7:305,  Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries, requires that any student athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion or head injury must be removed from participation or competition immediately. Said student will not be allowed to return to participate unless cleared to by a physician licensed to practice in all its branches in Illinois or a certified athletic trainer.  If a student is not cleared to return to that contest, a student athlete may not return to play or practice until the student athlete has provided their school with written clearance from a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in Illinois or a certified athletic trainer working in conjunction with a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in Illinois.  In the event that a student suffers from a head injury or displays sign(s)/symptom(s) of a concussion during a practice or game, a parent or guardian will be contacted immediately for the student to be picked up.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is defined as a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or a hit to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. This sudden movement can cause the brain to move back and forth, bounce around, or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and may also cause stretching and damage to the brain cells. Young athletes are more prone to concussions due to their developing brain, a greater head-to-body ratio, and thinner cranial bones. Signs and symptoms of a concussion may appear immediately after an injury or it may take hours or days to fully appear. A concussion cannot be seen and most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.  The effects of a concussion can be serious. If your child reports any symptoms of a concussion, or if you notice any signs or symptoms of a concussion, please seek medical attention.

Symptoms of a concussion may Include one or more of the following:
  • Headaches
  • “Pressure in head”
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Neck pain
  • Balance problems or dizziness
  • Blurred, double, or fuzzy vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Feeling sluggish or slowed down
  • Feeling foggy or groggy
  • Drowsiness
  • Change in sleep patterns
  • Amnesia
  • “Don’t feel right”
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Sadness
  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Irritability
  • More emotional
  • Confusion
  • Concentration or memory problem
  • Repeating the same question/comment
Signs observed by coaches, parents, or teammates include:
  • Appears dazed
  • Vacant facial expression
  • Confused about assignment
  • Forgets plays
  • Is unsure about game, score, or opponent
  • Moves clumsily or displays in coordination
  • Answers questions slowly
  • Slurred speech
  • Shows behavior or personality changes
  • Can’t recall events prior to hit
  • Can’t recall events after hit
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Any change in typical behavior or personality
  • Loses consciousness

 

What Can Happen if My Child Keeps Playing With a Concussion or Returns Too Soon?

Athletes with the signs and symptoms of a concussion will be immediately removed from play.  Continuing to play with signs and symptoms of a concussion can leave a young athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury. There is significant damage from a concussion for a period of time after the initial concussion occurs, particularly if an athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one. This can lead to a prolonged recovery, or even severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with potentially devastating or fatal consequences.  Education of administrators, coaches, teachers, parent(s)/guardians and students is imperative to a student-athlete’s safety.

If You Think Your Child Has Suffered a Concussion

Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion will be immediately removed from a game or practice.  No athlete may return to play or physical activity, including the physical activity portion of physical education courses or recess, after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptom(s) resolve, without written medical clearance.

IESA (Illinois Elementary School Association Policy & Protocol) requires athletes to provide their school with written clearance from either a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches or a certified athletic trainer working in conjunction with a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches prior to returning to play or practice following a concussion or after being removed from an interscholastic contest due to a possible head injury or concussion and not cleared to return to that same contest.  In accordance with state law, all schools are required to follow this policy.  Northbrook School District 27 Board Policy requires the same clearance before a student can return to intramural athletics and the physical activity portion of a physical education class.

Please contact your school nurse if you think your child may have a concussion or head injury, even if it resulted from an injury that occurred outside of school or a school related activity.

If a student suffers from a suspected head injury or concussion during the school day or while participating in an after-school activity, a parent or guardian will be contacted to pick up their student from school. A student will not be allowed to be dismissed from school without adult supervision.

Concussion Parent Form

Required

Student-Athlete Namerequired
First Name
Last Name
Agreementrequired
Must contain a date in M/D/YYYY format
Parent or Legal Guardianrequired
First Name
Last Name
Agreementrequired
Must contain a date in M/D/YYYY format