Locust Valley Central School District

Concussion Management Procedures

Mark J. Dantuono District Director of Health, Physical Education & Athletics Tony Marra- M.S., ATC, P/E Assistant Athletic Trainer School District TBI Consultant

Concussion Management Awareness Act



NYS created and implemented this new law effective July 1, 2012.



As a result, all school coaches, physical education teachers, nurses and athletic trainers must on a biennial basis complete the training certification program.



This program will include recognizing the symptoms pertaining to traumatic brain injuries and the monitoring and seeking the proper treatment for students who experience mild traumatic brain injuries.

Definition of a Concussion

What is a concussion?- Is a brain injury that is caused by a bump or blow to the head. How can it occur?- May occur from a fall or blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth.

Definition of Second Impact Syndrome

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A potential catastrophic medical emergency where a 2 nd concussion is sustained while symptomatic from the initial concussion.

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Both injuries can occur within a same event, very common to people under 20 years of age.



As a result may create massive pressure to the brain which can lead to brain damage and or death.

Post -Traumatic Concussion Syndrome

Persistent post-concussion symptoms lasting weeks, months or even years after a concussion.

How Concussions May Occur in a School Setting



Classroom-

Desk(top or bottom), door, trip/fall and or collision with another person or object.

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PE Class-

Collision with another student or non-moving object (wall), moving objects such as basketball or soccer balls.

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Recess-

Outdoor equipment which will include swings, slides, monkey bars, rings and climbing ropes.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs observed by school professionals:  Appears dazed or stunned  Is confused about events  Answers questions slowly   Repeats questions Can’t recall events after hit, bump or fall  Loses consciousness (even briefly)

Signs and Symptoms (cont.)

        

Symptoms reported by students Thinking/Remembering

Difficulty thinking clearly Difficulty concentrating or remembering Feeling sluggish, foggy or groggy

Physical

Headache or “pressure” in head Nausea or vomiting Balance problems or dizziness Fatigue or feeling tired Blurry or double vision Sensitivity to light or noise

Emergency Procedures

1. Observe body position of the child: face up/down, sitting, or standing unbalanced 2. Radio or contact school nurse

immediately.

3. Do not move or have anyone else move student.

(If student is unconscious call 911)

Responsibilities of Parent and School Staff dealing with a concussed child/student Parents Observe daily child behavior Observe sleeping/eating behaviors and physical symptoms (dizziness and headaches) Eliminate the use of all electronic devices (TV, computer, IPAD/gaming devices and cell phone usage) Observe emotional behavior (irritability, sadness/crying and nervousness)

Responsibilities of Parent and School Staff dealing with a concussed child/student-cont.

School Staff Observe academic performance (difficulty concentrating, remembering or thinking clearly) Observe light and noise sensitivity, headaches and dizziness. Observe emotional behavior (irritability, sadness/crying and nervousness)

NYS Return to Play Protocol

 In the event a child is concussed, he or she may not return to physical activities and physical education class until the 6-stage return to play protocol is administered and completed by the school nurse and physical education teacher.

Elementary Return to Play Protocol

Locust Valley School District T.B.I. Primary/Intermediate Level Return To Play Protocol Name:

_____________________

D.O.I.: AGE: , Max HR:

____

, Dx. Date: STAGE 1

:

Very Light Aerobic Activities (30-40% max effort)

10-15 minutes of cardio exercise in a low stimulus environment; limiting head movement and concentration activities. Example: walking stationary bike.

STAGE 2

:

Moderate Aerobic Activities (40-60% max effort)

20-30 minutes of cardio exercise and light strengthening in a gym environment, allowing some positional changes and head movement: low level concentration activities. Example: light jogging or stationary bike, light weight training, and balance training with limited hand/eye coordination .

Elementary Return to Play Protocol (cont.)

STAGE 3

:

Moderately Aggressive Aerobic Activities (60-80% max effort)

Balance and strength training at 80% effort.

Proprioceptive activities to incorporate concentration activities. Example: running/sprinting, stationary bike, and plyometrics,

STAGE 4

:

Sports Performance Training (80-90% max effort)

Training in sports specific activities, increasing hand/eye coordination. Example: student may increase training with multiple head, hand, and eye coordination skills.

STAGE 5

:

Full Unrestricted Performance Training

Student may return to

ALL

school related activities. Example: full unrestricted participation in P.E. classes

ONLY

.

NO outside activities

Elementary Return to Play Protocol (cont.)

STAGE 6

:

Full Unrestricted Activities

Return to full activities,

BOTH

in and out of school environment.

Approved and authorized by LVCSD Physicians, the above stages must be implemented by School Nurse and Physical Education Teacher.