Concussions present themselves differently between people and between events for each person. There are typical signs and symptoms that can help in the diagnosis and evaluation of concussions. There are currently no definitive testing or imaging that diagnosis a concussion. Diagnosis is based off of mechanism of injury, symptoms, and several different tests a health care provider can perform in office. This is an area of medicine that is constantly evolving and improving with more research. But even with the new information the old adage of "When in doubt, sit it out" is still very good advice. I often remind people that we only get 1 brain and it is my job to do all I can to protect that.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Headache
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Balance Problems
- Fatigue
- Trouble falling asleep
- Drowsiness
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Sensitivity to Light or Noise
- Irritability
- Sadness
- Nervousness
- Feeling more emotional
- Feeling slowed down or mentally foggy
- Visual problems
- Loss of appetite
- Unequal/dilated pupils
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty with or slurred speech
- Lethargic
When to seek IMMEDIATE Medical ATTENTION!!
- Changes in Alertness/consciousness
- Loss of Consciousness
- Convulsions/seizures
- Muscle weakness on 1 or both sides
- Persistent confusion
- REPEATED vomiting
- Unequal pupils
- Unusual eye movement
- Clear or bloody discharge from the ears
Waterloo high school has several tools at its disposal to evaluate and manage concussions. There is a team of professionals working with a student to support them physically, mentally, and emotionally as they return to health. One tool they utilize is called IMPACT which is a computerized cognitive test. The test is given during Freshman and Junior years to each athlete in order to get baseline data, or as I explain to the students "a snapshot of how their brain works on a normal day". This allows another tool and reference point for both the evaluation and management of concussions. Each student with a concussion diagnosis is evaluated on how the concussion team and education team can help them be a successful student while optimizing an atmosphere for healing. Each student is also put through a multi-step return to activity/play progression. This process add small stressors to the body and mind and increases each step until student is back to pre-concussion activity with no return of symptoms.
Handouts & information
take_home_concussion_information.pdf | |
File Size: | 131 kb |
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ihsa_post-concussion_consent_form__rpt-rtl_.pdf | |
File Size: | 132 kb |
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