2 Back to the Books: Return to Learn Strategies for Concussed Student-Athletes: Summary 2
it's important to remember that concussions can have a variety of effects and that careful management is essential for a full recovery. Concussion symptoms are often functional rather than structural. That is, they reflect disturbances in brain function rather than physical damage to the brain itself. Loss of consciousness is not always a sign of a concussion, so educating people about the nuances of these types of injuries is crucial for ensuring that they are managed safely and effectively. • Symptoms may not be immediate; teachers, coaches, and counselors should be educated to notice signs days after the incident. • Full recovery involves addressing both physical and cognitive impairments, emphasizing integration into the classroom before considering a return to play. • A survey found that less than 25% of high schools had written concussion plans addressing academic adjustments.
INTRODUCTION Understanding concussions is critical for anyone involved in sports or other activities that carry a risk of head or body impacts. To do so, we must first establish a common definition, which can be tricky given the range of possible causes. Some definitions focus on the mental effects of trauma, while others emphasize the role of the brain in behavior and motor function. Whatever definition you choose, Facts and Statistics About Concussions • Approximately 3.8 million concussions occur annually in the U.S. due to sports or physical activity. • Around 80% of sports-related concussions typically recover within three to four weeks. • Severity of initial symptoms, psychological factors, and subacute symptoms like migraines influence recovery rates. • Concussions can occur at any age and are not exclusive to sports-related incidents. The common signs and symptoms of concussions can be categorized into four main groups: Cognitive (thinking and remembering), physical, emotional mood, and sleep disturbances. Healthcare professionals, teachers, counselors, and parents should be well-versed in the nuances of concussions in order to address all categories and not miss any underlying signs. Cognitive • Difficulty thinking clearly • Feeling slowed down • Difficulty concentrating • Difficulty remembering new information
Physical • Headaches –often the most symptom after sustaining a concussion
• Fuzzy or blurry vision • Nausea and vomiting • Dizziness • Sensitivity to light and noise • Balance problems • Fatigue Emotional/Mood • Irritability • Sadness • Emotional or crying outbursts • Nervousness or high anxiety
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